McDonnell Reverses Cuccinelli, Sort Of
Bob McDonnell’s anti-discrimination “executive directive” is a nice step in the right direction, but it doesn’t quite go far enough:
Gov. Bob McDonnell has forcefully ordered state agencies not to discriminate against gay and lesbian workers during the hiring process or in the workplace, but he opted not to push legislation that would produce a similar effect.
His directive Wednesday comes in response to controversy ignited by a letter that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent to Virginia college and university officials telling them they lack the legal authority to adopt employment policies with sexual-orientation protections.
While McDonnell’s missive takes a strong stand against discrimination, it doesn’t carry the weight of law as an executive order does.
This directive basically says the state shouldn’t discriminate, but there are n0 legal consequences if it does. If McDonnell is so committed to preventing discrimination based on sexual identity, why not give those protections the force of law?
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