Virginia Enacts LGBT Worker Protections, Standing Out in South

Virginians are now protected from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed a bill (S.B. 868) that prohibits biased treatment of LGBT people in the workplace and outside of it. The new law also adds pregnancy, veteran status, childbirth, and age to protected classes, the governor’s office said in a statement Saturday.

With the new law, Virginia becomes a standout in the South for providing such protections. State lawmakers approved the measure largely along party lines, with Democrats voting for and Republicans against it.

Opponents of such measures generally voice concerns ...