Virginia National Guard Gay Ban Bill Dies in Committee
Some news tonight from the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Attempts to ban gays from openly serving in the Virginia National Guard and, conversely, to have the Guard adhere to the same regulations as the U.S. Department of Defense, died on Tuesday in a House committee.
The House Rules panel dispatched House Bill 2474, the proposed ban sponsored by Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, over what members called practical considerations.
Del. Bill Janis, R-Henrico, said different standards for members of the state’s Guard versus other service members could present a “management and leadership nightmare” if they were to serve together.
Metro Weekly previously reported on the possibility of the bill in December 2010, when out gay Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Arlington, Fairfax) predicted this outcome, telling Metro Weekly, “I believe that it won’t advance past the committee in the House of Delegates. It will probably be buried if it’s heard at all.”
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