                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 2.2-3901)

A. The terms &#8220;because of sex or gender&#8221; or &#8220;on the basis of
sex or gender&#8221; 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. The term &#8220;gender identity,&#8221; 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&#8217;s designated sex
at birth.

C. The term &#8220;sexual orientation,&#8221; when used in reference to
discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a
person&#8217;s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or
homosexuality.

D. The terms &#8220;because of race&#8221; or &#8220;on the basis of race&#8221;
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. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
			&#8220;E.E.O.C.&#8221; means the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission.
			&#8220;Lactation&#8221; means a condition that may result in the feeding of a
child directly from the breast or the expressing of milk from the breast.
			&#8220;Military status&#8221; means status as (i) a member of the uniformed
forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. &#xA7; 101(a)(5), of the United States or a
reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. &#xA7; 10101, (ii) a veteran as
defined in 38 U.S.C. &#xA7; 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C.
&#xA7; 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.
			&#8220;Religion&#8221; 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.

HISTORY: 1987, c. 581, § 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.