Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement in reaction:

“Glenn Youngkin’s anti-equality, anti-choice, racist tactics sought to sow fear and confusion, turning Virginian against Virginian for political gain. His hateful policies and rhetoric will have a real, devastating impact on LGBTQ+ people, women, and people of color across the Commonwealth. This is particularly true for transgender young people and their parents, who have faced an onslaught of targeted attacks that have put them in danger in their schools and communities.

“Anti-equality extremists will continue to use bigotry to score political points. But we know that history has proven hate-filled electoral strategies ultimately stir the conscience of the nation. And we know it is not the time to give up the fight. The Human Rights Campaign will fight alongside our members and partners to block anti-equality policies and overcome the forces that are trying to drag us backwards. The movement for equality is on the right side of history.

“We’ve never backed down from a fight. We don’t intend to start now. Progress will prevail and our country will be stronger for it.”