At the Virginia gubernatorial debate at Norfolk State University, Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears caused controversy by claiming that allowing employers to fire individuals for being gay “is not discrimination.” Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger cited Earle-Sears’s long record opposing LGBTQ+ rights, including her resistance to marriage equality and workplace protections. Before Spanberger could finish, Earle-Sears interjected, prompting immediate backlash. Earle-Sears has previously opposed bipartisan marriage equality legislation, even leaving a handwritten note expressing she was “morally opposed.”The Democratic National Committee called her comments “disqualifying” and reaffirmed support for Spanberger, emphasizing that Virginia deserves a leader who ensures equality for all. #Virginia #Republicans #Trumpadministration #Winsome #lgbtqia