Gay rights bill may be dead; VCU to hold forum - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

By Deon Guillory – bio | email
Posted by Iva Radman – email

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)--VCU is taking on a controversial bill that looks to be dead in the General Assembly.

The bill would include gays in the state's anti-discrimination policy, but a canceled committee meeting now has the bill on life support.

This comes days after State Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent a letter asking public schools to void policies that don't allow discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. He says it should be left up to lawmakers to decide who's protected.

Cuccinelli says he sent the letter after receiving several requests from colleges wanting clarification of the law.

Now one of those schools is taking it on—VCU will hold forums today.

There are two on the Monroe Park campus in the University Student Commons. The first is this morning from 9:00 to 9:45 and another this afternoon from 2:30 to 3:15.

There are also forums on the MCV campus in the George Ben Johnson Auditorium. Those will be from 11 to 11:45 this morning and 4:30 to 5:15 this afternoon.

There is also a student-organized rally planned at noon tomorrow at the VCU Commons Plaza.

The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn Saturday.

Yesterday was the deadline for committees to act on bills.

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