*LGBTQIA+/Discrimination

As Max Fisher, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, I am committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of all Virginians, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our state is a colourful tapestry of diversity, and it is this diversity that makes us strong.

I firmly believe in the separation of church and state. While I stand for the right of every individual to marry whomever they choose, I also recognize that we cannot, and should not, impose these beliefs on religious institutions whose doctrines may not align with these values. It is a delicate balance to respect religious freedom while ensuring that civil rights are not compromised.

However, it is critical to clarify that this respect for religious freedom does not offer religious institutions a free pass to discriminate, particularly when it comes to race. Discrimination, in any form, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in Virginia. It is against the values we hold dear and it is against the law - both at the state and federal level.

Existing federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Fair Housing Act, prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Virginia Fair Housing Law and the Virginia Human Rights Act also provide protections against discrimination at the state level.

Moreover, with the passage of the Virginia Values Act in 2020, we became the first southern state to pass comprehensive protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the balance between the private sector, church, and state limits, we must always prioritize the rights, freedoms, and protections of all Virginians. As a representative, I am committed to maintaining this balance and ensuring that all our citizens are treated with the dignity, respect, and equality they deserve.

I envision a Virginia where everyone has the right to love and marry freely, where religious institutions are respected but do not infringe on civil rights, and where discrimination in any form is not tolerated. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

If elected as a delegate to the Virginia House, I, Max Fisher, will prioritize the following legislative actions to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Virginia:

1. Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws: I will work to strengthen our existing anti-discrimination laws, ensuring they provide robust protections for all Virginians, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, or disability. I will propose amendments to increase penalties for violations and broaden their scope where necessary.

2. Establish Statewide Civil Marriage Protections: I respect the autonomy of religious institutions, but it is vital that we have strong state laws guaranteeing the rights of all Virginians to marry, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I will propose legislation that protects and upholds these rights.

3. Improve Hate Crime Reporting: I will propose legislation to enhance the reporting of hate crimes, ensuring these incidents are accurately recorded and addressed. This is a crucial step in understanding the extent of discrimination and hate in our state and in forming effective solutions.

4. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ Health: I will propose legislation aimed at ensuring that LGBTQIA+ individuals have equal access to comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health services.

5. Parental Involvement in Mental Health Care in Education: Recognizing the crucial role of parents in the mental wellbeing of their children, I will propose legislation that mandates parental notification and involvement in any mental health services provided in the educational setting. This will ensure that families are active partners in supporting the mental health of their children.

6. Protect Religious Freedom: I will work to safeguard the freedoms of religious institutions while ensuring they do not infringe on the civil rights of individuals. I will propose legislation that strikes a balance between religious freedom and the rights of all Virginians to live without discrimination.

These are just a few of the legislative priorities I will focus on if elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that all Virginians are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.