{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-3902.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-3902.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-3902.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-3902.html"}],"law_id":57422,"edition_id":1,"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","history":"1987, c. 581, \u00a7 2.1-717; 1991, c. 457; 1997, c. 404; 2000, c. 933; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 12, 196, 477, 478; 2024, cc. 266, 334.","full_text":"The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of its policies.\n\t\tConduct that violates any Virginia or federal statute or regulation governing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, military status, disability, or ethnic or national origin is an unlawful discriminatory practice under this chapter.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall prohibit or alter any program, service, facility, school, or privilege that is afforded, oriented, or restricted to a person because of disability or age from continuing to habilitate, rehabilitate, or accommodate that person.\n\t\tIn addition, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any governmental program, law or activity differentiating between persons on the basis of age over the age of 18 years (i) where the differentiation is reasonably necessary to normal operation or the activity is based upon reasonable factors other than age or (ii) where the program, law or activity constitutes a legitimate exercise of powers of the Commonwealth for the general health, safety and welfare of the population at large.\n\t\tComplaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law (the Office) in accordance with \u00a7 2.2-520 alleging unlawful discriminatory practice under a Virginia statute that is enforced by a Virginia agency shall be referred to that agency. The Office may investigate complaints alleging an unlawful discriminatory practice under a federal statute or regulation and attempt to resolve it through conciliation. Unsolved complaints shall thereafter be referred to the federal agency with jurisdiction over the complaint. Upon such referral, the Office shall have no further jurisdiction over the complaint. The Office shall have no jurisdiction over any complaint filed under a local ordinance adopted pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-965.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":210418,"text":"The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of its policies.\n\t\tConduct that violates any Virginia or federal statute or regulation governing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, military status, disability, or ethnic or national origin is an unlawful discriminatory practice under this chapter.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall prohibit or alter any program, service, facility, school, or privilege that is afforded, oriented, or restricted to a person because of disability or age from continuing to habilitate, rehabilitate, or accommodate that person.\n\t\tIn addition, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any governmental program, law or activity differentiating between persons on the basis of age over the age of 18 years (i) where the differentiation is reasonably necessary to normal operation or the activity is based upon reasonable factors other than age or (ii) where the program, law or activity constitutes a legitimate exercise of powers of the Commonwealth for the general health, safety and welfare of the population at large.\n\t\tComplaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law (the Office) in accordance with \u00a7 2.2-520 alleging unlawful discriminatory practice under a Virginia statute that is enforced by a Virginia agency shall be referred to that agency. The Office may investigate complaints alleging an unlawful discriminatory practice under a federal statute or regulation and attempt to resolve it through conciliation. Unsolved complaints shall thereafter be referred to the federal agency with jurisdiction over the complaint. Upon such referral, the Office shall have no further jurisdiction over the complaint. The Office shall have no jurisdiction over any complaint filed under a local ordinance adopted pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-965.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-3902\/","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 2000, chapter 933<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 1137<\/a> and 1140<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 266<\/a> and 334<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":71567,"section_number":"15.2-965","catch_line":"Human rights ordinances and commissions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-965\/"},{"id":83736,"section_number":"2.2-520","catch_line":"Office of Civil Rights created; duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-520\/"}],"permalink":{"id":176681,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57422,"identifier":"2.2-3902","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3902","url":"\/2.2-3902\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-3902\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/39\/2.2-3902","dublin_core":{"Title":"Construction of chapter; other programs to aid persons with disabilities, minors, and the elderly","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-3902","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of its policies.\n\t\tConduct that violates any Virginia or federal statute<\/span> or regulation governing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, military status, disability, or ethnic or national origin is an unlawful discriminatory practice under this chapter.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall prohibit or alter any program, service, facility, school, or privilege<\/span> that is afforded, oriented, or restricted to a person because of disability or age from continuing to habilitate, rehabilitate, or accommodate that person.\n\t\tIn addition, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any governmental program, law<\/span> or activity differentiating between persons on the basis of age over the age of 18 years (i) where the differentiation is reasonably necessary to normal operation or the activity is based upon reasonable factors other than age or (ii) where the program, law<\/span> or activity constitutes a legitimate exercise of powers of the Commonwealth for the general health, safety and welfare of the population at large.\n\t\tComplaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law<\/span> (the Office) in accordance with \u00a7 2.2-520<\/a> alleging unlawful discriminatory practice under a Virginia statute<\/span> that is enforced by a Virginia agency shall be referred to that agency. The Office may investigate complaints alleging an unlawful discriminatory practice under a federal statute<\/span> or regulation and attempt to resolve it through conciliation. Unsolved complaints shall thereafter be referred to the federal agency with jurisdiction<\/span> over the complaint. Upon such referral, the Office shall have no further jurisdiction<\/span> over the complaint. The Office shall have no jurisdiction<\/span> over any complaint filed under a local ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-965<\/a>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER; OTHER PROGRAMS TO AID PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,\nMINORS, AND THE ELDERLY (\u00a7 2.2-3902)\n\nThe provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the\naccomplishment of its policies.\n\t\tConduct that violates any Virginia or federal statute or regulation governing\ndiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,\ngender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical\nconditions including lactation, age, military status, disability, or ethnic or\nnational origin is an unlawful discriminatory practice under this chapter.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall prohibit or alter any program, service,\nfacility, school, or privilege that is afforded, oriented, or restricted to a\nperson because of disability or age from continuing to habilitate, rehabilitate,\nor accommodate that person.\n\t\tIn addition, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any\ngovernmental program, law or activity differentiating between persons on the\nbasis of age over the age of 18 years (i) where the differentiation is\nreasonably necessary to normal operation or the activity is based upon\nreasonable factors other than age or (ii) where the program, law or activity\nconstitutes a legitimate exercise of powers of the Commonwealth for the general\nhealth, safety and welfare of the population at large.\n\t\tComplaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law (the\nOffice) in accordance with \u00a7 2.2-520 alleging unlawful discriminatory practice\nunder a Virginia statute that is enforced by a Virginia agency shall be referred\nto that agency. The Office may investigate complaints alleging an unlawful\ndiscriminatory practice under a federal statute or regulation and attempt to\nresolve it through conciliation. Unsolved complaints shall thereafter be\nreferred to the federal agency with jurisdiction over the complaint. Upon such\nreferral, the Office shall have no further jurisdiction over the complaint. The\nOffice shall have no jurisdiction over any complaint filed under a local\nordinance adopted pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-965.\n\nHISTORY: 1987, c. 581, \u00a7 2.1-717; 1991, c. 457; 1997, c. 404; 2000, c. 933;\n2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc.\n12, 196, 477, 478; 2024, cc. 266, 334.","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}}