2015 Code of Virginia
Title 57 - Religious and Charitable Matters; Cemeteries
§ 57-2.1. Advertising by hotels, etc., that persons find objectionable because of religion
(1) Definitions. -- Except where the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following terms shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them:
"Person" means any individual, partnership, association, corporation, or organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
"Establishment" means any building or part thereof, including without being limited to public inns and hotels, any structure, enclosure, tract of land, and all improvements, appurtenances, and additions, bodies of water whether natural or artificial, and any other place of whatsoever nature to which the general public is or will be admitted, allowed or invited on payment of a fee, free of charge or otherwise.
(2) Methods of advertising; solicitation to violate section. -- No person, directly or indirectly, for himself or for another, shall publish in any newspaper or magazine, post on any sign, or broadcast by radio or television any commercial advertisement that any person not otherwise prohibited by law from using an establishment is not welcome, or is objectionable, or is not acceptable because of his religion. No person shall cause or solicit another person to violate this section.
(3) Exemptions from section. -- This section shall not apply (1) to any establishment which is private or restricted to membership only; (2) to any college, school, educational institution, or camp, admission to which is based on religious belief or affiliation; (3) to any gathering, meeting or assembly held under the auspices of any religious group or sect.
(4) Public nuisance; abatement by injunction. -- Any commercial advertisement as set forth herein is declared a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement by injunctive relief; any aggrieved individual or group of individuals may proceed to obtain an injunction enjoining and restraining the person from continuing such commercial advertisement.
1954, c. 701.
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