I want to say simply that this is precisely the kind of legislation which shows people outside of Virginia that we are a state of tolerance, respect and faith in human dignity.  The law does not privilege any one group over another, allows for citizens to pay for their own coverage and demonstrates our state's committment to ideals of justice and equality.

I refuse to engage in the rhetoric of agression and disdain which often seems to rule these forum.  Instead I will simply say that I believe that all people deserve to have the basic rights of education, access to health care and happines.  This law is an opportunity to extend that right to people who have long been denied equality while offering their support and service to our education and our way of life.

Thank you for your courage in offering this legislation.

John Riofrio, Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies