Snippets from a Daily Press editorial lauding Mark Warner's decision to ban state agencies from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation in personnel decisions:
Why is this even a subject of dispute? Maybe it's because there's still political hay to be made. When nothing else is working, some political candidates fall back on red-meat standards, denouncing the so-called "gay agenda" and the prospect of depravity flooding the streets of Virginia.In truth, there is a market for that kind of stuff. Consider that U.S. Sen. George Allen recently announced he will reverse his prior stance and oppose including sexual orientation in the federal hate-crimes statutes.
That's disappointing, and perplexing. In the past Allen has been notably open-minded about whom he employs.
Talent and political loyalty have clearly trumped sexual orientation.So what's the story now? Interested in seeking the presidency, does Allen feel obliged to make common cause with the worst instincts of some of his supporters? A sad commentary, if so.
The contrast can't be more striking. While Warner is taking steps to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, Allen is taking steps to make life easier for those who practice in the worst kinds of gay bashing.