Virginia

US: Photos From the George Floyd Protests, City by City

Thousands have taken to the streets to express their anger over racism and police violence. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, prompting the activation of the National Guard in at least 21 states.

US: State Action to Limit Abortion Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted several states to place restrictions that have effectively banned or blocked the availability of abortion services.

US: Virginia’s New Laws on L.G.B.T. Protections, Guns and Marijuana Reflect a Shift in Power

The leftward transformation of Virginia since President Trump was elected crescendoed over the weekend, with the governor signing into law protections for L.G.B.T. residents, gun background checks, no jail time for simple marijuana possession and early voting.

US: HRC Releases Annual State Equality Index Ratings

HRC Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute released their 6th annual State Equality Index (SEI), a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.

US: Sex and HIV Education

As debate over the relative merits of abstinence-only-until-marriage messages versus more comprehensive approaches has intensified, states have enacted a number of specific content requirements.

Virginia: Uncovering Colonial Williamsburg's LGBTQ history

The foundation’s efforts are part of a growing effort across the country to include LGBTQ history in educational settings. At least five states, including Maryland earlier this year, have taken steps to require public schools to teach lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. About five years ago, the National Park Service also launched a project exploring and preserving the legacy of LGBTQ people.

US: Adoption and foster care laws, state by state

Foster care non-discrimination laws protect LGBT foster parents from discrimination by foster care agencies and officials. Some states permits state-licensed child welfare agencies to refuse to place and provide services to children and families, including LGBT people and same-sex couples, if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs.