June 1, 2016
 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's 
Virginia E-News

Attorney General Mark Herring and Delegate Ken Plum

Commentary

Legal Meaning of Sex Discrimination     
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

Recently Attorney General Mark Herring issued an official opinion at my request and the requests of others as to the meaning of sex discrimination under Virginia law. His thoroughly researched, 18-page opinion concluded that, in many instances, discrimination against LGBT individuals is actually illegal sex discrimination that violates both federal and state law. Attorney General Herring's opinion is both historic and courageous. It advances the work that many of us have been attempting to do in the legislature to ensure that individuals do not face discrimination in their housing or their workplaces because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is courageous in that the Attorney General could have chosen to duck the issues and leave it to the courts.

Simply stated, if an individual faces discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity, that person can seek relief under the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA). This act and others in the Virginia Code provide a clear declaration that the Commonwealth of Virginia does not and will not tolerate discrimination or allow someone to be treated unfairly because of their gender. Federal courts have increasingly ruled in recent years that certain forms of discrimination directed at individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity can constitute illegal sex discrimination. The VHRA explicitly makes any violation of federal anti-discrimination law a concurrent violation of state law.

Numerous cases cited in the opinion make it clear that in the extensive and rapidly developing case law it is becoming clear that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity can constitute sex discrimination if based on gender stereotyping or treating a person unfairly due to gender.

While the Attorney General's opinion is likely to receive criticism and attempts to thwart it by conservative members of the General Assembly, it has become an undisputed reality in the workplace in Virginia. Studies show that 80 percent of Virginia's 25 largest employers have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation; 60 percent of Virginia's largest private employers have policies that also include gender identity. Nationally, 89 percent of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and 66 percent of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

I am in full agreement with the statement Attorney General Herring issued regarding the opinion: "We don't need to look far to see the division, discord, and pain that can happen when a state tries to enshrine discrimination against certain people it fears or does not understand. In recent years, Virginia has rejected this kind of misguided and sometimes mean-spirited approach. As the courts continue to put away the vestiges of discrimination and unequal treatment, I hope we will continue to show that Virginia rejects discrimination and welcomes all who would call our Commonwealth home."
 
Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
  
Tune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming (Verizon Channel 1981). Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference.     

TONIGHT- Wednesday, June 1 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Walt Constantine, Gwyn Whitaker, and Patty Nicoson for a discussion on electric cars
    
Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 8 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Senator Janet Howell in a Final Report on the 2016 General Assembly Session

Virginia Report is also available for viewing online at
www.youtube.com/watch. Previous shows can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/album/1650266. 


Bulletin Board


The 2016 Fairfax Water 
Annual Water Quality Report Now Available 
The report provides important information about your water quality and water service. To request a printed copy by mail, email waterqualityreport@fairfaxwater.org or call 703-289-6285, TTY 711, and provide your name, mailing address, and phone number.

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SOLITARY

There are 100,000 US citizens in solitary confinement across the country, a staggering number. Situated in rural Virginia, 300 miles from any urban center, Red Onion State Prison is one of over 40 supermax prisons across the US built to hold prisoners in eight-by-ten-foot cells for 23 hours a day. With unprecedented access, director Kristi Jacobson offers a revealing and moving portrait of life inside solitary confinement. The inmates share the paths that led them to prison and their daily struggles to maintain their sanity. Through the moving stories of the people who are immersed in this system, SOLITARY offers a rare window into life on both sides of the bars and prompts challenging core questions about punishment in America today.

Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m., at Landmark 6, 555 11th ST, NW Washington, DC. Tickets for the screening are available here.

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Disease Carrying Insects Program   

The Fairfax County Disease Carrying Insects Program (DCIP) aims to minimize the impact of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases with an integrated approach to pest management including countywide surveillance measures and control practices primarily targeting the most probable vector species in the County, as well as public outreach and education. Learn more at Fight the Bite.
 
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Volunteers Needed for 2016 Reston Sprint Triathlon

The Reston Sprint Triathlon is the largest triathlon in Northern Virginia, hosting almost 900 athletes annually. It is always held on the first Sunday after Memorial Day and couldn't happen without hundreds of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Sign up here. 


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One Grab Bar Can Save a Broken Hip 

Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church makes home repairs at no charge for Fairfax County homeowners with limited incomes. Skilled volunteers will check your home for hazards, install grab bars and handrails, and make dozens of repairs to keep you safe and healthy. For more information or to obtain an application, call 703-528-1999 or email info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org. 



Calendar of Events  

Tomorrow: Thursday, June 2, Do More 24, a 24-hour fundraiser powered by United Way of the National Capital Area where donors can contribute to any of the more than 600 participating nonprofits. Click here to learn more. 

Extended through Friday, June 3, 5:00 p.m., The Reston Chorale's Care Packages for the Troops. Show support for men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces by helping to fill care packages for troops deployed overseas. Suggested items include single-serve, nonperishable snacks, protein bars and powdered drink mixes; non-aerosol, unscented toiletries; hand-held games, playing cards, puzzle books and light-weight sports equipment. Collection bins are located in the lobby of 11951 Freedom Drive, Reston, as well as other Reston Town Center office buildings. Download a flyer here. 

Friday, June 3, Last day for comments on the Countywide Transit Network Study. Learn more at Transit Study.  
 
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Clean the Bay Day. Clean the Bay Day is a true Virginian tradition and an annual opportunity for the whole family, office, civic or church group--anyone--to give back to local waterways. Learn more about the event at Clean the Bay Day. Register for the Reston event here.

Tuesday, June 7, Deadline for Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition. Details are at 2016 Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition.

Wednesday, June 8, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Dulles Corridor Rail Association Spring Meeting, at BLVD Reston Station, 1908 Reston Metro Plaza. Download an invitation and sponsor form here.

June 10-12, Celebrate Fairfax!, Northern Virginia's largest community-wide celebration, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The annual festival hosts tens of thousands of visitors during the three-day run. For more information on any of the festival's programs, or to become a part of the festival as a volunteer, sponsor, performing artist, or simply to attend, browse the website, or contact the Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. office at 703-324-FAIR (3247).  

June 11-12, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 2016 Lake Anne Chalk Festival. Join IPAR (Initiative for Public Art-Reston) and let your inner artist paint Lake Anne Plaza red (or green, blue, yellow...) as the plaza turns into a chalk art museum at this two-day street-painting festival right on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. A fun event for the whole family where everyone can create amazing sidewalk art. Learn more and buy tickets at Chalk on the Water.
 
Saturday June 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2016 Disability Resource Fair hosted by ServiceSource, at Disability Resource Center, 10467 White Granite Drive, Oakton. The Fair brings together the best disability resources in one easily-accessed location and provides personal access to experts in the disability field. Resources, nonprofit partners, and vendors cover a range of disability topics including children, autism, aging, and veterans. If you have questions or require special accommodations, email communications@servicesource.org.

Saturday, June 11, noon to 2:00 p.m., Reduced-Cost Rabies Clinic at the Sully District Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Cost is $15. Dogs, cats and ferrets are eligible for vaccinations. Dogs must be on leashes. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. All pets will receive a 1-year rabies vaccine. For a full calendar of scheduled clinics and additional information, visit Rabies Clinics. 

Sunday, June 12, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday Afternoon Dance, at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Dancers (55 years and older) of all skill levels are welcome to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha, and waltz. Includes three mini-lessons, door prizes and light refreshments; partners are not required. Cost is per session and payable at the door ($5 Reston/$10 Non-Reston). For more information, contact Karen Brutsché, 55+ Program Director at 703-390-6157. See more at Sunday Afternoon Dance. 
 
Monday, June 13, noon to 2:00 p.m., Lunch N' Life for Seniors, hosted by Shepherd's Center of Oakton Vienna (SCOV), at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. Lunch followed by entertainment provided by the Washington Sangerbund choir, established in 1851, that strives to preserve German song and the German language. Register and prepay the $10 per person cost for lunch before June 6th. Call the SCOV office at 703-281-0538 and send your check, contact information and number of reserved seats you need to SCOV, 541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna, VA 22180. (Sorry, no refunds)

Wednesday, June 15, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Medicare 101, Training for individuals who will soon be eligible for Medicare and want to learn about their options. The session will provide an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/ doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans. Free but registration is required. Register here.  

Wednesday, June 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Public Information Meeting on the Soapstone Connector Project, in Room 333A at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston. The meeting will begin at 6:30, with a short presentation at 7:30 p.m. to update residents on the project. Staff will be present to discuss the project and answer questions. For more information on the project, contact Audra Bandy at 703-877-5600, or visit Soapstone Connector.

Thursday, June 16, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Route 7 Corridor Improvements Fairfax County Public Information Meeting, at Colvin Run Elementary, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna. Find out about plans to widen Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from four to six lanes between Reston Avenue and the west end of the bridge over the Dulles Toll Road to increase capacity, decrease congestion, and improve safety. Review project information at the meeting or www.ConnectRoute7.org. Give your written comments at the meeting or submit them by June 30, 2016 to Mr. William Dunn, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or email ConnectRoute7@VDOT.virginia.gov with "June 16 Public Information Meeting" in the subject line.
Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., North County Governmental Center Grand Opening and Open House, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Family-friendly event includes public safety interactive displays, vehicles to explore and tours of the police station. For more information and to RSVP by email contact huntermillRSVP@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283. 
 

36th District 

Reston, Virginia
 

For more information, visit wearorange.org

In This Issue
"Virginia Report"
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar
Commentary..."Legal Meaning of Sex Discrimination"

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News


Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
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