It's one thing for a homophobic conservative to refuse to implement non-discrimination statutes for the LGBT community. But it's quite another to remove existing non-discrimination statutes, which is exactly what recently-elected Republican Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia has done. From Talking Points Memo:
Gay and lesbian state workers in Virginia are no longer specifically protected against discrimination, thanks to a little-noticed change made by new Gov. Bob McDonnell.
McDonnell (R) on Feb. 5 signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination "on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities," as well as veterans.
It rescinds the order that Gov. Tim Kaine signed Jan. 14, 2006 as one of his first actions. After promising a "fair and inclusive" administration in his inaugural address, Kaine (D) added veterans to the non-discrimination policy - and sexual orientation.
Some people may have been taken in by McDonnell's assertions that his viciously misogynist and homophobic screed (or "thesis" as he called it) was a youthful indiscretion at the tender age of 34, and that he has mitigated his views since then. But consciously stripping protections for LGBT people who just want to serve their Commonwealth exposes that lie.