A Virginia employee alleging discrimination under the VA HRA must file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights(DHR) before filing in court. Discrimination is when someone is denied equal rights due to a protected trait.Learn about the Equal Pay Act, Brown v. The new law adds sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and marital status as protected characteristics in employment. Federal and state law prohibit Virginia employers from discriminating against employees based on certain characteristics, such as race or religion. The Virginia Human Rights Act bars discrimination in the workplace and authorizes a private right of action to remedy discrimination. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy: For more information, a copy of the. Complaint Form, or for assistance in completing the form, call VOPA at:. Under. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, OCR protects individuals and groups from discrimination.