Virginia Governor Vetoes Anti-LGBT Legislation

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has vetoed recent legislation that would have legalized anti-LGBT discrimination.

From The Washington Blade:

McAuliffe said in a statement that Senate Bill 41 is “nothing more than an attempt to stigmatize.”

“This legislation is also bad for business and creates roadblocks as we try to build the new Virginia economy,” he said. “Businesses and job creators do not want to locate or do business in states that appear more concerned with demonizing people than with creating a strong business climate.”

“Legislation that immunizes the discriminatory actions of certain people and institutions at the expense of same-sex couples would damage Virginia’s reputation for commonsense, pro-business government,” added McAuliffe. “We need only look at the damage these types of laws are doing in other states to understand the harm this bill could bring to our Commonwealth and its economy.”

.@GovernorVA vetoes SB41 “We're not going to tolerate discrimination. VA will be open and welcoming #AskThe

— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) March 30, 2016

.@GovernorVA on SB41 "We can't put walls up around the state. We need to keep our vibrant economy humming" #AskThe #NewVAEconomy

— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) March 30, 2016