During a heated debate in Virginia’s gubernatorial race on October 9, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears defended his belief that treating LGBTQ people differently from straight or cisgender people does not constitute discrimination.
Earl Sears, who is trailing in most polls, used the debate as a final attempt to paint former Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger as extreme, out-of-touch or untrustworthy. She pressed Spanberger on issues such as transgender participation in sports and bathroom access. She attacked Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones for not asking him to step down after his comments appeared to support political violence.
In one of the few moments when Spanberger, who was frequently interrupted and talked over by Earl Sears, went on the offensive, the Democratic nominee accused his opponent of a history of condoning discrimination against LGBTQ people.
“My opponent was asked about her history of discrimination, and importantly, my opponent has previously said she doesn’t think same-sex couples should be allowed to marry,” Spanberger said.
In response, Earl Sears loudly interjected, “That’s not discrimination!”
Spanberger said he believes most Virginians oppose unequal treatment of LGBTQ people, adding, “My opponent has also said in the past that he doesn’t mind being fired from a job for being gay.”
“That’s not discrimination!” Earl Sears repeated.
Earle Sears’ reaction is not surprising given her long record of opposing LGBTQ rights. in 2004 Candidate Surveyshe described homosexuality as an “immoral lifestyle choice.” She also supported legislation that would ban same-sex couples from adopting children and pledged to oppose any legislation that would provide workplace protections for homosexuals.
Last May, the Republican lieutenant governor took the unusual step of adding: handwritten notes It was a statement of personal disdain for a bill that would prohibit officials from denying marriage licenses based on sex, gender, or race, a bill she was constitutionally obligated to sign as president of the Virginia Senate.
“I continue to morally oppose the content of HB 174 as passed by the General Assembly.” she wrote directly About the law.
Regardless of Earle Sears’ personal views on same-sex marriage, the U.S. Supreme Court has clearly rejected her position on workplace protections. In a landmark decision in June 2020, Bostock v. Clayton CountyThe court ruled that employers cannot fire employees solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The judges found that such conduct amounted to sex discrimination.
Interpreting Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Courts concluded The law prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin,” and the term “sex” includes both sexual orientation and gender identity.
“An employer who fires an individual for being gay or transgender fires that individual for traits and behaviors that would not have been questioned if he or she were of the opposite sex. Sex plays a necessary and undeniable role in the decision, which is exactly what Title VII prohibits,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in a 6-3 majority opinion.
Earl Sears’ beliefs also stand in stark contrast to the sexuality of her lieutenant governor candidate, John Reed. Reed, who is gay, reportedly had some personal tensions with Earl Sears when he campaigned for the state’s top job.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin also publicly urged Mr. Reed: dropout She posted an article about race after she was accused of reposting nude photos of men on her Tumblr account using the same name as her own Instagram handle.
“This is his race and only he can decide whether to move forward or not. We all have to run our own race.” earl sears She spoke after her running mate refused to cancel his campaign.
Despite their differences, Reid has publicly defended Earl Sears’ opposition to same-sex marriage, saying on SiriusXM: Willco majority The two said they “will put our differences aside” for the good of Virginia.
Mr. Reed, who personally supports marriage equality, said: virginia mercury He said if elected and asked to break the deadlock in the Senate, he would vote against a referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage, arguing that same-sex marriage would fail to protect “people who wholeheartedly disagree with same-sex marriage.”
Virginia’s general election will be held on November 4, 2025. Early voting is already in progress Across the Commonwealth.
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Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
