Issue Position: Equality

Issue Position

Senator Mark Warner believes that America is strongest when we protect the rights of everyone. He moved Virginia forward by strengthened laws and regulations to protect the rights of the LGBT community as Governor and he has built on that record in the Senate.

Workplace Discrimination

Mark Warner was the first Governor of Virginia to ban sexual orientation discrimination for state employees. He understands that in order to meet our potential, we must draw upon the talents and experiences of everyone. He also led the effort to end the discriminatory "family rule" that prevented same-sex couples from receiving home buying assistance from the state government.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

As Senator, Warner voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and was a strong supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He knows that prohibiting discrimination is both the right thing to do and vital to economic competitiveness. For Virginia to continue to be a leader in business and innovation, we must do everything we can to ensure the rights of all Virginians are protected.

Marriage Equality

Sen. Warner is also a vocal proponent of marriage equality. As Governor, Warner opposed a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Virginia. As Senator, he supported the effort at the Supreme Court to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act.

Warner supports the freedom to marry for all Americans, and recommended the nomination of the federal judge who eventually struck down Virginia's same-sex marriage ban. He believes marriage equality is the right thing to do, and that it fulfills the promise of extending equality and opportunity to everyone.

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