The ACLU of Virginia , the Anti-Defamation League, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington have signed on to a joint letter urging a state Senate committee to reject a bill that would sanction discrimination against any Virginian.
In a letter to Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology Chair Frank Ruff, and copied to the full committee, the four prominent civil rights and social justice organizations said House Bill 2025, patroned by Del. Nicholas Freitas (R-Culpeper), would "cause real harm to real people" in violation of the Free Speech and Equal Protection clauses in the U.S. Constitution.
"This bill would cause suffering because of religious beliefs," the letter states. "Many religious organizations provide human services such as adoption, counseling, healthcare. These services could be denied to Virginians because of the provider's religious beliefs even if those services are funded by taxpayers."
