Local
Bill that bans LGBTQ panic defense in Va. takes effect
State Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) introduced measure
A bill that bans the so-called LGBTQ panic defense in Virginia took effect on Thursday.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam on March 31 signed the measure that state Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) introduced. The Manassas Democrat on Thursday noted in a tweet that her bill is now in effect.
“The LGBTQ+ panic defense is now prohibited in Virginia,” said Roem.
As of today, my bill HB 2132 (2021) is now in effect.
The LGBTQ+ panic defense is now prohibited in Virginia.
(And, yes, this will apply to the murder in Blacksburg.) pic.twitter.com/yw2qB2t3c2
— Del. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) July 1, 2021
A bill that bans the LGBTQ panic defense in D.C. took effect last month. An identical measure will become law in Maryland on Oct. 1 without Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature.
More than a dozen other states and territories have also banned the LGBTQ panic defense.
Virginia
VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade
Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday
The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.
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Virginia
Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3
The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.
A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.
Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.
“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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