Virginia Human Rights Act Updates Effective July 1, 2024
In April, the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted several bills amending the Virginia Human Rights Act, all effective on July 1, 2024 . Among these amendments are several employment-related updates regarding discrimination in the Commonwealth. Discrimination Based on Ethnic Origin Prohibited On April 2, 2024, Governor Youngkin signed House Bill 18, which amends the Virginia Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on “ethnic origin” in employment. Ethnic origin is added to the following list of protected categories: Race Color Religion Sex Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Marital Status Pregnancy Childbirth (or related medical conditions including lactation) Age Military Status Disability Ethnic or National Origin Updates to the discrimination provisions to include ethnic origin, labor organizations, employment agencies, and joint apprenticeship committees. Of note, Virginia also...