Richmond (WBQB/WFVA/AP) -- Gov. McDonnell has directed state agencies not to discriminate against gays, essentially overriding the state attorney general's advice to colleges. McDonnell's directive came amid a public discussion over Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli's letter last week telling public colleges they lack the authority to prohibit discrimination based on sexual preference. Cuccinelli told colleges to rescind or change any anti-discrimination policies that include protection for gays. The Republican attorney general's letter was denounced by gay-rights groups and Democrats. In the letter, Cuccinelli said colleges can't include gays in their anti-discrimination policies without General Assembly authorization.