{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-3901.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-3901.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-3901.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-3901.html"}],"law_id":86168,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86168,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3901","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1987, c. 581, \u00a7 2.1-716; 1991, c. 457; 1997, c. 404; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 839; 2020, cc. 107, 152, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478; 2022, c. 799; 2024, c. 819.","full_text":"A\n\nThe terms “because of sex or gender” or “on the basis of sex or gender” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation. Women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all purposes as persons not so affected but similar in their abilities or disabilities.B\n\nThe term “gender identity,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth.C\n\nThe term “sexual orientation,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality.D\n\nThe terms “because of race” or “on the basis of race” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.E\n\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“E.E.O.C.” means the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.\n\t\t\t“Lactation” means a condition that may result in the feeding of a child directly from the breast or the expressing of milk from the breast.\n\t\t\t“Military status” means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C. § 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the individual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged action that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this section instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.\n\t\t\t“Religion” includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":308674,"text":"The terms “because of sex or gender” or “on the basis of sex or gender” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation. Women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all purposes as persons not so affected but similar in their abilities or disabilities.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":308675,"text":"The term “gender identity,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":308676,"text":"The term “sexual orientation,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":308677,"text":"The terms “because of race” or “on the basis of race” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":308678,"text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“E.E.O.C.” means the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.\n\t\t\t“Lactation” means a condition that may result in the feeding of a child directly from the breast or the expressing of milk from the breast.\n\t\t\t“Military status” means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C. § 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the individual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged action that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this section instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.\n\t\t\t“Religion” includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14485,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Human Rights Act","identifier":"39","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12751,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:18","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:18","permalink":{"id":176671,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14485,"identifier":"39","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/39\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12751,"edition_id":1,"name":"Transaction of Public Business","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12750,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176445,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12751,"identifier":"B","token":"2.2\/II\/B","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12750,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of State Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176253,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12750,"identifier":"II","token":"2.2\/II","url":"\/2.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68757,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3900","catch_line":"Short title; declaration of policy","url":"\/2.2-3900\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3900","metadata":false},{"id":86168,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3901","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/2.2-3901\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3901","metadata":false},{"id":57422,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3902","catch_line":"Construction of chapter; other programs to aid persons with disabilities, minors, and the elderly","url":"\/2.2-3902\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3902","metadata":false},{"id":69120,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3903","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-3903\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3903","metadata":false},{"id":83248,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3904","catch_line":"Nondiscrimination in places of public accommodation; definitions","url":"\/2.2-3904\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3904","metadata":false},{"id":67660,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3905","catch_line":"Nondiscrimination in employment; definitions; exceptions","url":"\/2.2-3905\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3905","metadata":false},{"id":59581,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3905.1","catch_line":"Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities; unlawful discriminatory practice; notice of rights","url":"\/2.2-3905.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3905.1","metadata":false},{"id":84496,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3906","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General","url":"\/2.2-3906\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3906","metadata":false},{"id":65737,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3907","catch_line":"Procedures for a charge of unlawful discrimination; notice; investigation; report; conciliation; notice of the right to file a civil action; temporary relief","url":"\/2.2-3907\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3907","metadata":false},{"id":55883,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3908","catch_line":"Civil actions by private parties","url":"\/2.2-3908\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3908","metadata":false},{"id":66874,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3909","catch_line":"Causes of action for failure to provide reasonable accommodation for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions","url":"\/2.2-3909\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3909","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68757,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3900","catch_line":"Short title; declaration of policy","url":"\/2.2-3900\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3900","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57422,"structure_id":14485,"section_number":"2.2-3902","catch_line":"Construction of chapter; other programs to aid persons with disabilities, minors, and the elderly","url":"\/2.2-3902\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3902","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-3901\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1987. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 581 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1987 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1991, chapter 457; in 1997, chapter 404<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 839<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 107<\/a>, 152<\/a>, 1137<\/a>, 1138<\/a>, 1139<\/a>, and 1140<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 799<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 819<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":176677,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86168,"identifier":"2.2-3901","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3901","url":"\/2.2-3901\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-3901\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3901","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-3901","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The terms “because of sex or gender” or “on the basis of sex or gender” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation<\/span>. Women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all purposes as persons not so affected but similar in their abilities or disabilities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The term “gender identity,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means the gender-related identity, appearance<\/span>, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The term “sexual orientation,” when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The terms “because of race” or “on the basis of race” or terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“E.E.O.C.” means the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.\n\t\t\t“Lactation<\/span>” means a condition that may result in the feeding of a child directly from the breast or the expressing of milk from the breast.\n\t\t\t“Military status<\/span>” means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C. § 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the individual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged action that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this section instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.\n\t\t\t“Religion<\/span>” includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 2.2-3901)\n\nA. The terms “because of sex or gender” or “on the basis of\nsex or gender” or terms of similar import when used in reference to\ndiscrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly include because of\nor on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions,\nincluding lactation. Women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical\nconditions shall be treated the same for all purposes as persons not so affected\nbut similar in their abilities or disabilities.\n\nB. The term “gender identity,” when used in reference to\ndiscrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means the\ngender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of\nan individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex\nat birth.\n\nC. The term “sexual orientation,” when used in reference to\ndiscrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a\nperson’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or\nhomosexuality.\n\nD. The terms “because of race” or “on the basis of race”\nor terms of similar import when used in reference to discrimination in the Code\nand acts of the General Assembly include because of or on the basis of traits\nhistorically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and\nprotective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.\n\nE. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“E.E.O.C.” means the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity\nCommission.\n\t\t\t“Lactation” means a condition that may result in the feeding of a\nchild directly from the breast or the expressing of milk from the breast.\n\t\t\t“Military status” means status as (i) a member of the uniformed\nforces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a\nreserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as\ndefined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C.\n§ 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the\nindividual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged\naction that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this\nsection instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief\nunder 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.\n\t\t\t“Religion” includes any outward expression of religious faith,\nincluding adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the\ncarrying or display of religious items or symbols.\n\nHISTORY: 1987, c. 581, \u00a7 2.1-716; 1991, c. 457; 1997, c. 404; 2001, c. 844;\n2005, c. 839; 2020, cc. 107, 152, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc.\n477, 478; 2022, c. 799; 2024, c. 819.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}