Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears took the unusual step last year of including a note of personal objection to a bill she was constitutionally required to sign — a symbolic gesture that underscores her deeply held views on LGBTQ+ rights as she campaigns for governor.
“I remain morally opposed to the content of HB 174 as passed by the General Assembly,” Earle-Sears wrote on the legislation, which prohibits officials from denying marriage licenses based on sex, gender or race. A copy of the signed bill was obtained by Virginia Scope through a public records request filed with the House Clerk’s Office.
The bill, sponsored by Del. Rozia Henson, D-Prince William, passed with support from the Democratic-controlled legislature. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and House Speaker Don Scott also signed the measure, but neither added any comments.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger declined to provide a comment for this story.
While she did not block the bill from becoming law, Earle-Sears’ written opposition adds a new layer to a topic that has drawn renewed attention this week.
Last Friday, the statewide Republican ticket became embroiled in controversy after Youngkin asked the lieutenant governor nominee, John Reid — the first openly gay statewide candidate in Virginia’s history — to step down. Youngkin’s team said they were notified of a Tumblr account last Thursday that appeared to belong to Reid. The account had reposted several pictures of naked men.
Reid denied the account was ever his and has not withdrawn from the race.
Earle-Sears did not appear at multiple scheduled events with Reid since the news broke and has only released one public statement, saying, “It is his race, and his decision alone to move forward. We all have our own race to run.”
Casey Flores, a former member of Youngkin’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and founder of Log Cabin Republicans of Richmond, said during an interview Sunday that Youngkin has historically been supportive of gay rights. But Flores believes Earle-Sears does not want a gay running mate.
“I just think that Winsome didn’t want to run with the gay guy,” Flores said. “Winsome is not a conservative. She’s kind of a theocratic totalitarian. She actually does care what people do in their bedrooms. And, you know, I think the Republican Party is largely past that.”
Reid did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.
At a campaign rally Wednesday night, he said he will be voting for Earle-Sears in November.
Earle-Sears provided a statement to Virginia Scope on Thursday through her spokeswoman, Peyton Vogel.
“The lieutenant governor has answered this question many times. She has already shown she will always be a governor for all Virginians,” Vogel said. “She has always been open and honest with the people of Virginia about her values and her unwavering commitment to both respecting and upholding the law.”
The Democratic Party of Virginia attacked Earle-Sears when asked for comment.
“This is yet another example of [Earle-Sears’] dangerous agenda,” said Maggie Amjad, a spokesperson for the DPVA. “Virginians deserve a governor who will fight to protect their rights and freedoms, and it’s crystal clear Sears won’t do that.”
The move from Earle-Sears highlights the ideological rift playing out not only within the GOP right now, but on the statewide ticket.