This past Thursday, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed off on an executive order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity within state services and by state contractors.
Supreme Court Will Hear Case of Transgender Student Barred from School Restroom
The Supreme Court announced last week that it will hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a 17-year-old transgender student who was barred from using the boys’ restroom at his Virginia high school.
Virginia Board of Health Removes Surgical Center Building Requirements for Abortion Providers
Yesterday the Virginia Board of Health voted 11-to-4 to remove the unconstitutional outpatient surgical center building requirements imposed on clinics that perform abortions.
Governor McAuliffe Vetoes Bill Defunding Planned Parenthood
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed a measure today that would have defunded Planned Parenthood in the state.
VA Governor Proposes Plan for Free, Long-Lasting Birth Control
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam announced a $9 million program proposal on Friday that would make free long-lasting birth control available to women who have little or no health insurance.
Fraternity Signs Promote Rape Culture, Elicit Outrage
The signs, which ask for first-year women- and their moms- to be dropped off at an ODU fraternity “for a good time,” have elicited outrage and a promise of disciplinary action from the University.
Virginia’s Abortion Clinics Renew Licenses Amidst Regulation Dispute
The Virginia Board of Health announced last week that all 18 abortion clinics in the state have renewed their licenses, despite anti-abortion efforts to place limitations on Virginia clinics.
Feminists Mourn the Loss of Activist Grace Mann
“As a friend, Grace brought love and joy into every interaction and every person she came across.”
UVA President Announces Initiatives to Curb Campus Sexual Assault
The University of Virginia’s president, Teresa Sullivan, recently spoke to the campus community about what’s next in their push to end sexual assault on campus and strengthen their policies for survivrs.
Two Fraternities Refuse to Comply With UVA’s New Anti-Sexual Assault Regulations
Two fraternities at the University of Virginia have declined to sign on to new fraternity regulations put in place after a sexual assault scandal shook the campus.
Feminists Will Mobilize Nationwide for Abortion Rights on Roe v. Wade’s Anniversary
Feminists are taking action on January 22 to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Roe v Wade – the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide.
A Virginia Delegate in Jail for a Relationship with a Minor Just Won Re-Election
Morrissey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor last month due to an alleged relationship with a 17-year-old, and in the face of felony charges for possession of child pornography, indecent liberties with a minor, and electronic solicitation of a minor.
US Receives “C” Grade On Reproductive Rights
While the US overall grade is a C, 15 states failed outright.
Democrat Kathleen Murphy Wins Special Election for Virginia House
She is an advocate of stricter gun laws, renewable energy resources, getting colleges to report sexual assaults to the police, and is against “personhood” anti-abortion laws.
Virginia Board of Health Votes to Amend Regulations Closing the State’s Clinics
The Board of Health will begin the amendment process next year.
UVA President Suspends Greek Life Organizations After Revelation of Campus Rape Culture
The decision closely follows the release of a Rolling Stone article detailing a pattern of rape and sexual assault occurring at UVA fraternities, which has caused student and faculty protests and sparked national outrage.
Marriage Equality Set to Take Hold in 35 States Following Court Rulings
Decisions by the US Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this week brought the number of states in which same-sex marriage bans are effectively null and void to 35.
Virginia Health Commissioner Recommends Amending State TRAP Law
The decision comes after Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe ordered a periodic review of the regulations, expressing concern that the TRAP rules were “extreme and punitive” and could endanger women’s health.
Former Virginia Governor and First Lady Found Guilty on 14 Charges in Corruption Case
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were found guilty Thursday on a combined 14 counts of conspiracy, fraud, influence-peddling, bribery, and extortion by a jury in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Supreme Court Blocks Marriage Equality in Virginia
The US Supreme Court granted a request Wednesday that delays a decision that would have allowed same-sex couples to start getting married this week in Virginia.
