Virginia
| Virginia |
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Tim Kaine (D) |
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Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, situated between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are influenced by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which provide habitats for much of its flora and fauna. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond; Virginia Beach is the most populous city, while Fairfax County is the most populous political subdivision. The Commonwealth's population in 2020 was over 8.65 million, with 36% of residents living in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area.
The area's history begins with several indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607, the London Company established the Colony of Virginia as the first permanent English colony in the New World. Virginia's state nickname, the Old Dominion, refers to this status. Slave labor and land acquired from displaced native tribes fueled the growing plantation economy, but they also sparked conflicts both inside and outside the colony. Virginia was one of the original Thirteen Colonies in the American Revolution, and battles fought in Virginia secured the independence of the United States. During the American Civil War, Virginia was divided when the state government in Richmond joined the Confederacy, while many of the state's northwestern counties wanted to remain with the Union, helping to form the state of West Virginia in 1863. Although the Commonwealth was under one-party rule for nearly a century following the Reconstruction era, both major political parties remain competitive in modern Virginia.
Virginia's state legislature, known as the Virginia General Assembly, was established in July 1619, making it the oldest active law-making body in North America. It comprises a 40-member Senate and a 100-member House of Delegates. The state government uniquely treats cities and counties equally, manages local roads, and prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms. Virginia's economy encompasses various sectors: agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley; high tech and federal agencies, including the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency, in Northern Virginia; and military facilities in Hampton Roads, home to the region's main seaport.
Entymology
The name "Virginia" was used by Captain Arthur Barlowe in the expedition's report and may have been suggested that year by Raleigh or Elizabeth, perhaps noting her status as the "Virgin Queen" or that they viewed the land as being untouched.
Sexual Orientation in Virginia
Virginia has made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, particularly since 2020. However, recent political shifts have introduced challenges, especially regarding transgender rights and educational policies. Here's an overview of the current landscape:
- Legal Protections and Progress
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal in Virginia since 2014, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bostic v. Schaefer. In 2024, the state codified same-sex marriage into its laws, thereby reinforcing protections at the state level.
Virginia Values Act (2020): This groundbreaking law prohibits discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations, positioning Virginia as the first Southern state to implement extensive LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination safeguards. Wikipedia
Conversion Therapy Ban: Virginia prohibits the practice of conversion therapy for minors, aligning with efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth.
- Hate Crime Protections: In 2020, the state expanded its hate crime laws to include offenses motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Legal Gender Recognition: Since 2020, individuals can change the gender marker on their birth certificates and driver's licenses without needing surgery. An "X" gender marker option is also available on state IDs.
- Abolition of LGBTQ+ Panic Defense: In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to ban the use of the "gay and/or trans panic defense" in legal proceedings.
- Ongoing Challenges and Restrictions
Educational Policies: In July 2023, the Virginia Department of Education implemented policies that restrict transgender students' access to bathrooms and pronoun usage in schools, mandating that facilities and pronouns align with students' sex assigned at birth.
- "Don't Say Gay" Legislation: In 2022, a law was enacted that, due to existing statutes defining homosexuality as inherently sexual conduct, effectively restricts discussions of LGBTQ+ topics in schools.
- Healthcare Access: In March 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have required health insurance companies to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents HIV transmission. This decision has raised concerns about healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community.
Wikipedia
- Community and Advocacy
Equality Virginia is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights through education, outreach, and policy change.
- ACLU of Virginia: Actively engaged in legal challenges and advocacy efforts to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights throughout the state.
- Summary
Virginia stands out in the Southern United States for its comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly after the enactment of the Virginia Values Act. However, recent policy changes, especially those impacting transgender individuals and educational settings, indicate a complex and evolving landscape. Ongoing advocacy and legal efforts continue to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and advancing equality.
History of the Virginia Flag
The Virginia State Flag features a dark blue background with the seal of Virginia emblazoned at the center within a white circle. The Virginia State seal depicts a woman in a blue outfit and a matching hat, standing at the center with a spear in her right hand and a sword in her left. The woman rests her foot on the chest of a man dressed in a purple Roman outfit. The man, holding a chain and a whip, lies on the ground in defeat, his crown fallen from his head. The woman represents Liberty or Virginia, while the man symbolizes King George III or Tyranny. Above this imagery, the word "Virginia" is emblazoned in bold text, and below is the Virginia state motto, "Sic Semper Tyrannis," which translates to "Thus always to tyrants." A green wreath with red flowers encircles the scene.
The Seal of Virginia was created in July 1776, just two months after Virginia declared independence from Britain. The seal was designed to represent Virginia triumphing over the tyranny of British rule. The designers of the seal chose elements from Roman mythology due to their admiration for Roman culture and their desire to avoid giving any respect to the British by using British-inspired design elements. Over the years, many variants of the seal were created, leading Virginia’s leadership to establish a standardized seal in 1912 to avoid inconsistencies. The first Virginia state flag was adopted in 1861; however, slight changes have been made to the design of both the seal and the flag over the years. The current version of the flag has been in use since February 1, 1950.
Virginia is located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States of America. It shares borders with Maryland, Washington D.C., the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The capital city is Richmond, and the largest city is Virginia Beach. Virginia was named after Elizabeth I (England's virgin queen).
Virginia is also referred to as "Old Dominion" because it was the oldest territory of the monarchy in England. The first permanent British settlement in the United States of America was in Jamestown, which served as the former capital of Virginia. The state is also known as "The Mother of Presidents" since eight of the presidents of the United States of America were born here and "The Birthplace of the Nation" because the American Revolution ended in Virginia. Virginia was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba, Powhatan, Cherokee, and Tutelo.
On May 13th, 1607, the British founded the settlement of Jamestown, after which British settlers began to arrive in Virginia, along with slaves taken from Africa. Soon after, in 1624, Virginia was established as a colony of Britain. Following the French and Indian War, the British began to impose very high taxes on the colonists, which was one of the leading causes of the Revolutionary War in 1775. During the Revolutionary War, Virginia was the setting of many important battles, including the Battle of Great Bridge, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Battle of Yorktown, where the colonists defeated the British, who surrendered. As a result of their victory, Virginia officially became the 10th state of the United States of America on June 25th, 1788.
External links
- Wikipedia article: Virginia
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