The General Assembly, eager for a flood of green from casino gambling, gave a Virginia Indian tribe with a well-documented history and continuing practice of racial bigotry, a leg up in two cities — Richmond and Norfolk.

A majority of legislators, both African-American and Caucasian, pushed for the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to have preference

in two of the five Virginia cities that were given the green light for casino gambling.

The legislation, approved in both the House of Delegates and state Senate, clears the way for casinos to be built in Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol. The compromise bill that was approved grants the tribe preference in its bid to open a $700 million hotel-casino resort in Norfolk.

While Richmond can undertake competition, the tribe’s plan for a $350 million hotel-casino in the capital city also would receive preference as a minority-controlled operation, which other potential Richmond competitors, such as the Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, would need to match.

The Free Press reported on the tribe’s adoption of white supremacist policies as a survival mechanism in the Feb. 27-29 edition. The story noted that the tribe in the 19th century banished members with relationships with African-Americans and has refused to re-admit families who were banished.

The Free Press has since learned that Chief Robert Gray and the tribal council have ordered a longtime resident on the tribe’s reservation in King William County to undergo psychiatric evaluation or face banishment. The resident and tribe member, John M. Collins, has been assaulted for advocating a change in tribal policy to include Indian families with African-American ties.

Richmond’s legislative delegation was split over the casino bill, which passed 60-35 in the House and 27-12 in the Senate. Richmond Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, voted for the bill, while Democratic Sen. Ghazala Hashmi opposed the bill. Democratic Sen. Joseph D. Morrissey did not vote.

Richmond Delegates Dawn M. Adams joined two members of the VLBC, Jeff M. Bourne and Delores L. McQuinn, in supporting the measure.

Richmond Delegate Betsy Carr, who had opposed an earlier House version of the bill, was among five delegates who did not vote on the bill. Also among that group was the chairman of the VLBC Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, who said before the vote, “I am not in support of (the tribe’s) efforts.”

Petersburg Delegate Lashrecse Aird was among the 35 House members who opposed the final casino bill.

Under the bill, residents of each of the five cities would have to approve any proposed casino in a referendum. It is unclear at this point when Richmond would hold such a vote.

Separately, while embracing casinos, the legislature also approved outlawing the thousands of gambling machines that have sprung up in convenience stores, truck stops and other outlets.