HB 696

            
2020 SESSION

20104504D

HOUSE BILL NO. 696


Offered January 8, 2020


Prefiled January 6, 2020

A BILL to amend and reenact � 15.2-965 of the Code of 
 Virginia, relating to local human rights ordinances.
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Patrons-- Roem, Levine, Convirs-Fowler, Hope, Kory, Rasoul, Samirah and
Sickles


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Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
 
 
1. That � 15.2-965 of the Code of Virginia is amended and 
 reenacted as follows:
 
 
� 15.2-965. Human rights ordinances and commissions.
 
 
A. Any locality may enact an ordinance, not inconsistent with 
 nor more stringent than any applicable state law, prohibiting discrimination in 
 housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, and education on the basis 
 of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical 
 conditions, national origin, age, marital status, or 
 disability, sexual orientation, or gender 
 identity.
 
 
B. The locality may enact an ordinance establishing a local 
 commission on human rights which shall have the powers and duties granted by 
 the Virginia Human Rights Act (� 2.2-3900 et seq.).
 
 
C. As used in 
 this section:
 
 
"Gender identity" means 
 the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related 
 characteristics of an individual, without regard to the individuals designated 
 sex at birth.
 
 
"Sexual orientation" 
 means a persons actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality.