Local
Anti-discrimination bill advances in Va. Senate
Committee approved SB 701 by a 8-7 vote
James Parrish (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
A Virginia Senate subcommittee on Monday narrowly approved a bill that would ban discrimination against LGBT employees.
The 8-7 vote in the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee came hours after President Obama specifically mentioned gay men and lesbians and marriage rights for same-sex couples in his second inaugural speech. Senate Bill 701 supporters noted these references in their reaction to the vote.
“Our president spoke eloquently today in his inauguration speech by saying ‘Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law,’” Equality Virginia Executive Director James Parrish said. “This bill is an opportunity for our lawmakers at home to give all LGBT Virginians an opportunity for fairness and job security.”
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria,) who introduced SB 701 alongside Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico,) also applauded the vote.
“I’m excited that the bill passed committee and we will be working very hard to get it out of the full Senate,” Ebbin told the Washington Blade. “It’s exciting to see the General Laws Committee realize that there is a need for non-discrimination protections in Virginia for our workers.”
The state Senate in 2010 and 2011 passed bills similar to SB 701, but they both stalled in the House of Delegates.
Senator Jill Vogel (R-Fauquier County) was the only Republican on the committee to back the proposal that currently has more than 40 co-sponsors in both legislative chambers. Parrish conceded late last year, however, its chances of passing in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates this year remain “very slim.”
SB 701 supporters remain steadfast.
“With 701, we have an opportunity to ensure that no current or future politician gives prejudiced individuals in state agencies license to discriminate against LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, pregnant women, veterans and others,” Ladelle McWhorter, vice chair of Virginian Organizing, a group that advocates for immigration reform and other issues, said during a Richmond press conference on Jan. 17. “We have an opportunity to create a policy that embraces our differences and reminds all Virginia citizens that we are valued for our perspective, skills and experience and that on one will be automatically dismissed because of those very strengths.”
Delegate Rob Krupicka (D-Alexandria) referenced the House of Delegates’ 66-28 vote last week that approved gay interim Richmond Circuit Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland’s judgeship before the committee approved SB 701.
“The nomination of Tracy Thorne-Begland as judge shows we understand that workplace discrimination has no place in Virginia,” Krupicka told the Blade. “We have demonstrated that skills, hard work and talent should be all that matter. I hope we can continue that momentum by passing an end to workplace discrimination.”
A vote on SB 701 in the full Senate is expected to take place in the coming days or weeks.
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
Maryland
Evan Glass is leaning on his record. Is that enough for Montgomery County’s top job?
Gay county executive candidate pushing for equitable pay, safer streets, and cleaner environment
By TALIA RICHMAN | During a meet-and-greet at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, Evan Glass got his loudest applause of the night with a plan he acknowledged was decidedly unsexy.
“Day one, I’ll hire a director of permitting services,” the county executive candidate said.
Doing so, he added, is a step toward easing the regulatory burdens that can stifle small businesses in Montgomery County.
The only problem? At least one of his fiercest competitors is making a similar pledge.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
D.C. bar, LGBTQ+ Community Center to mark Lesbian Visibility Week
‘Ahead of the Curve’ documentary screening, ‘Queeroke’ among events
2026 Lesbian Visibility Week North America will take place from April 20-26.
This year marks the third annual Lesbian Visibility Week, run by the Curve Foundation. A host of events take place from April 20-26.
This year’s theme is Health and Wellness. For the Curve Foundation, the term “lesbian” serves as an umbrella term for a host of identities, including lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and anyone else connected to the lesbian community.
The week kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony on April 19. It will take place in New York, but will be livestreamed for the public.
“Queeroke” is one of the events being held around the country. It will take place at various participating bars on April 23.
As You Are, an LGBTQ bar in Capitol Hill, is one of eight locations across the U.S. participating. Their event is free and 21+.
On April 24, the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center will hold a screening of “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about the founder of Curve, Franco Stevens. The event is free with an RSVP.
April 25, is Queer Women in Sports Day. And on April 26, several monuments in New York will be illuminated.
Virtual events ranging from health to sports will be made available to the public. Details will be released closer to the start of Lesbian Visibility Week. Featured events can be found on the official website.
Some ways for individuals to get involved are to use #LVW26 and tag the official Lesbian Visibility Week account on social media posts. People are encouraged to display their lesbian flags, and businesses can hand out pins and decorate. They can also reach out to local lawmakers to encourage them to issue an official Lesbian Visibility Week.
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