Rainbow bLAWg

As one of his first official acts in office, Virginia’s new Democratic governor, Terry McAuliffe has signed four executive orders. Executive Order #1 restores LGBT employment protection for state workers.

The protections that were in place for LGBT state employees under Democratic Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, were eliminated under Republican Governor Bob McDonnell, and his homophobic attorney general Ken Cuccinelli (The Cooch), whom McAuliffe defeated to become governor. This is the first time however, such an order includes protections for gender identity and expression.

Despite losing a seat in the governor’s mansion to McAuliffe, Cuccinelli decided to use his final day at Attorney General to make a last stand against gay marriage, solidifying his legacy as one of the worst lawmakers for LGBT rights. It is interesting that Cuccinelli would hold so steadfast on an opinion that played such a large role in his loss in the governor’s race.

After signing the orders, Governor McAuliffe remarked:

“My administration is committed to keeping Virginia open and welcoming to all who call our commonwealth home. Executive Order Number 1 sets the tone for an administration that will not accept discrimination in any form, and one that will work tirelessly to ensure all Virginians have equal opportunity in the workplace, no matter their backgrounds, race, religion, or whom they love.”

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There is hope that someday soon the state of Virginia will it’s grant LGBT residents the dignity of of having the right to marry the person they choose. Until then, LGBT couples living in Virginia (and most other states) remain without any legal protections whatsoever – unless they go to the effort and expense of getting specific legal documents, i.e., living will and medical power of attorney (to empower a partner to make medical decisions and have hospital visitation rights), last will and testaments and/or living trust (to leave property to a partner) and other supporting documents that empower a partner to make decisions about finances, burial and cremation and many other rights denied to same-sex partners who live in non-marriage equality states.

For the most part, couples who can afford these documents will get them. Many LGBT couples are struggling financially because of the economic downturn. For them, Rainbow Law’s state-specific will and trust packages provide an affordable alternative – and their free advance directives are available to any LGBT person who asks.

If you or anyone you know needs legal documents to empower and protect an LGBT relationship, you really ought to give Rainbow Law a try.

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Carrie Stone