My name is Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, and I proudly represent the people of Virginia’s 5th House District in Alexandria. I strongly oppose Regulatory Action 4905. My constituents consistently tell me that they want a Commonwealth where every person is treated with dignity, and that includes our transgender neighbors. The Board of Health should be focused on safeguarding public health, not singling out a group of people simply because of who they are.

At a time when Virginia faces real and urgent challenges including maternal health disparities, intimate partner violence, access to mental health care, and the rising costs that strain families, we cannot allow discriminatory proposals to pull focus from the work that truly matters. Attempts to stigmatize transgender Virginians do not help anyone. Instead, they undermine trust, create fear, and distract from the pressing issues facing every corner of the Commonwealth every day.

My constituents want to live in communities where everyone is safe, respected, and able to thrive, yet we are witnessing a coordinated national effort to push LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people, out of public life. These attacks harm all of us because they promote discrimination and divisiveness.

In my time in office, I have repeatedly heard from constituents with transgender family members, and from transgender people themselves who simply want to go to work, access medical care, and exist in public spaces without being targeted. 

Regulatory 4905 is a political ploy to harm transgender people that promotes prejudice. In Virginia, no one should be denied opportunity or dignity because of their identity. 

I urge the Board to reject this discriminatory action and stay focused on protecting the health and well-being of all Virginians.