In representing the nearly 500 Independent Baptist churches of the Commonwealth, I/we stand on the Bible for our faith and for our practice in daily living. 

I/we oppose adding language which inserts "sexual orientation" in the list of "prohibiting discrimination." 

I/we would prefer the following: "The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, or religion.".

The General Assembly has been ever vigilant to prevent protecting sexual orientation in the law and someone in your agency has sought to circumvent the General Assembly. I am highly disappointed. 

Time and again studies have shown that the best model for a child is one with a mother and father. This should be the model encouraged for adoptions. It is the model given in the Bible.

Please do not stray into areas attempting to protect "sexual orientation."

Rev. Eddy Aliff, Executive Director, Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists