Virginia photographer challenges state LGBTQ protections

Virginia photographer challenges state LGBTQ protections

Ben Walls, news editor Jan 31, 2021

After the Virginia Values Act was signed into law and gave specific protections to LGBTQ community members in April 2020, Leesburg photographer Bob Updegrove has decided to file suit in federal court against Attorney General Mark Herring, who will defend the bill. ... The Arizona-based advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) represents Updegrove, who identifies as a Christian and believes he may only celebrate marriage ceremonies between one woman and one man if he wishes.

Faith-based communities and advocacies are included in the legislation, in which LGBTQ Virginians may not be discriminated against in matters of housing, employment, public spaces and credit applications.

“All Americans should be free to live and work according to their beliefs without fear of being punished by the government, that applies to people of faith and something guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Denise Harle, who serves as senior counsel for ADF. “Government hostility towards people of faith is unconstitutional, and it has no place in our society. Tolerance and respect for good faith, differences of opinion, is essential to our diverse society, and it’s part of the ideals that America was founded upon.”

Harle quoted Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru as legal precedent and anticipated a victory for that reason.

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