May 27, 2021 News & Press Releases

New Report: Glenn Youngkin Opposes LGBTQ Equality in Virginia


by Democratic Party of Virginia

After criticizing the Virginia Values Act, Youngkin must immediately explain whether he plans to repeal the landmark legislation

Richmond, VA — Today, new reporting highlights how Glenn Youngkin’s extreme agenda includes steadfast opposition to LGBTQ equality in Virginia. Youngkin has repeatedly stated his disapproval of transgender equality in schools — and now, he is attacking the Virginia Values Act. This landmark legislation made Virginia “the first state in the South to enact comprehensive protections for the LGBTQ community against discrimination in housing, employment, public spaces, and credit applications.”

In his opposition to this historic step forward, Glenn Youngkin is marching in lockstep with those who seek to degrade and discriminate against others for political gain. Given his steadfast opposition to LGBTQ equality in Virginia, Youngkin should immediately explain whether he plans to repeal the Virginia Values Act.

See below for key excerpts and read the full report here.

Washington Blade: Va. GOP governor nominee reiterates opposition to trans-inclusive youth sports

The Republican nominee in the Virginia gubernatorial race on Monday once again said he does not support allowing transgender children to play on sports teams that are consistent with their gender identity.

John Fredericks, who co-chaired former President Trump’s 2016 campaign in Virginia, asked Glenn Youngkin during an appearance on “Outside the Beltway with John Fredericks” about “the radical transgender policies that have been signed by this governor.”

“As governor are you going to allow male students to participate in girls’ high school athletics and shower with them?” asked Fredericks.

“No and this again … we’ve just lost our whole sense of common sense,” responded Youngkin.

“[...] All of a sudden, this whole concept that we’re going to allow biological men to compete with biological women in high school sports. It just doesn’t make any sense, and so no we’re just not going to allow that.”

Youngkin, the former co-CEO of the Carlyle Group, earlier this month won the Republican Party of Virginia’s nomination convention.

He told a group of voters in Arlington earlier this year that “biological males should not be allowed to play sports in girls sports.” [...]

Current Gov. Ralph Northam in April 2020 signed the Virginia Values Act, which added gender identity and sexual orientation to Virginia’s nondiscrimination law. The law took effect last July.

“Glenn Youngkin does not believe in a Virginia where everyone can live, work, and raise a family without being discriminated against for who they are,” Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Virginia, told the Washington Blade on Wednesday in a statement. “The Virginia Values Act was a monumental step towards an inclusive Virginia where all people are treated fairly. Youngkin’s opposition to LGBTQ equality and this landmark legislation is yet another testament to the fact that he and his far-right agenda are too extreme for Virginia.”

Youngkin’s campaign did not respond to the Blade’s request for comment.

###