Politics and religion are two subjects that don't usually mix in polite company. But, both are topics of debate at the General Assembly.
One of the top priorities for the newly-created Asian-American Pacific Islander Caucus is strengthening the definition of religion to include any outward expression of religious faith. Delegate Irene Shin is a Democrat from Herndon who says that might include everything from grooming practices to headwear.
"Folks who are Muslims and wearing hijabs or any headgear, but it also can expand to protections for folks who wear crosses as necklaces too," Shin explains. "It's just making sure that the progress that we've made in the last two years to make sure that religious protections and nondiscrimination for any class, that that is as inclusive as possible."
But some members of the General Assembly say religious institutions should be able to discriminate in some cases if it aligns with their religious practices. Republican Senator Mark Peake of Lynchburg says mosques shouldn't be forced to hire a Jewish person for a daycare center and churches shouldn't be forced to hire gay people to work at a homeless shelter.
"I don't see how that would affect their ability to have a daycare center or a homeless shelter or provide food to the poor and homeless or needy," Peake says. "So if that's their religious belief, I believe they should be entitled to follow through with that religious belief."
Virginia has a long history of religious freedom. Back in the 1780’s, the General Assembly approved Thomas Jefferson's Statute for Religious Freedom. Now, lawmakers need to determine what that freedom means and who is protected.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
