RICHMOND, VA — The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, celebrated last night’s win for the future of equality and reproductive freedom in Virginia. Voters in this year’s state legislative elections successfully flipped the House of Delegates while maintaining/expanding a pro-equality majority in the Senate, rejecting far-right extremism and preserving LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access in the state.

Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson issued the following statement:

“Last night, in the face of MAGA efforts to distract and divide voters, the people of Virginia made it clear that anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism have no place in the Commonwealth. At a time when extremist politicians are doing everything in their power to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people, we thank Virginia voters for coming together and electing leaders who will prevent Governor Youngkin and his radical allies from stripping away the fundamental freedoms of our community, our families, and our youth.”

Last month, HRC launched a six-figure ad campaign warning Virginia voters of the threats facing equality and LGBTQ+ rights in their state ahead of this year's elections, in addition to endorsing 21 pro-equality candidates. Last night’s victory comes as a major win for the preservation of the Virginia Values Act, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, people of faith, immigrants, women and more, in addition to the protection of abortion rights which Governor Youngkin has repeatedly expressed interest in gutting.

Roundup of U.S. Public Opinion on LGBTQ+ Rights:

• According to new polling from The 19th and SurveyMonkey, the vast majority of Americans — 7 in 10 — think that politicians are not informed enough about abortion and gender-affirming care to create fair policies. In addition, Two national surveys this year report that a majority of Americans oppose bans on gender-affirming care (NPR/Marist on 3/20-23, 2023 and Grinnell College National Survey on 3/14-19, 2023).

• Americans believe the amount of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is excessive, agreeing it is “Political Theater.” Polling indicates that 64% of all likely voters, including 72% of Democrats, 65% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans think that there is “too much legislation” aimed at “limiting the rights of transgender and gay people in America.”

• A majority of Americans disapprove of banning LGBTQ+ content in schools – and seem prepared to punish candidates who do so. More than six in 10 Americans say they would be less likely to back a candidate who “supports policies that ban books in schools and in school libraries on subject matter that deals with sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.