For years, Virginia’s LGBTQ residents have fought to win rights in the commonwealth. One of the biggest wins occurred in 2014, when the historic Bostic vs. Schaefer decision ruled that Virginia’s 2006 amendment banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Even though the Commonwealth has made headway in advancing LGBTQ rights, Republican Scott Lingamfelter wants to keep Virginia in the dark ages when it comes to recognizing the rights of its LGBTQ citizens.
During his 16 years in office, Del. Lingamfelter has proven how out of touch he is with Virginia families by voting repeatedly for legislation that discriminates against LGBTQ Virginians.
5 Anti-Gay Lingamfelter Votes
Here’s a list of some of his votes that actively promote intolerance:
- During the 2017 General Assembly session, Lingamfelter voted for HB2025, a bill that would have allowed agencies and service providers funded by state taxpayers to discriminate against LGBTQ Virginians.
- Lingamfelter voted for legislation in 2016 to permit state officials to refuse to marry LGBTQ individuals.
- Lingamfelter voted for HB189, a bill that allowed adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ couples, in 2012.
- Also in 2012, Lingamfelter opposed the nomination of Tracy Thorne-Begland, Virginia’s first openly-gay judge, to Richmond’s General District Court, because of his sexual orientation.
- Lingamfelter voted for the 2006 Virginia Marriage Amendment that banned marriage equality.
Instead of using his position of power to promote inclusion and diversity in our state, Del. Lingamfelter wants to turn back the clock on the gains that Virginia has made honoring LGBTQ residents. This November 7, voters will choose between Lingamfelter and his challenger, Elizabeth Guzman, to represent House of Delegates District 31.