West Virginia Senate bill could repeal local nondiscrimination laws in over a dozen cities

WHEELING, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate recently passed a bill that could overturn antidiscrimination ordinances in West Virginia cities.

Senate Bill 579 aims to eliminate nondiscrimination ordinances for more than a dozen cities across West Virginia from Morgantown to Wheeling.

Wheeling has had its since 2016. This includes discrimination based on sexual orientation, veteran status for purposes of employment, housing or public accommodation.

"This bill would force the repeal of all those ordinances, so these cities who have passed these ordinances through their council to protect these classes of individuals would, if this bill were to become law, would all be repealed and the protections would go away,” State Senator Ryan Weld said.

State Senator Brian Helton created the bill, which passed by a 25-8 vote. He said he stands for equal protection and centralizing anti-discrimination laws.

“In West Virginia, we have the Human Rights Act which identifies special protected classes recognized by the state,” Helton said in a statement issued to NEWS9. “Uniformity is important to ensure all West Virginian's receive equal protection under the law. A patchwork of ordinances and laws creates confusion, and I feel this is important that all people are equally protected regardless of where they may be geographically in the state and a certain time.

“Also, many of our largest cities have ordinances which ban parents from being able to decide what type of counseling their children receive when it comes to transgender issues specifically. These ordinances are in place to target minors harmful and specifically tell parents they are not allowed to try to convince children of their true biological sex. These are very harmful ordinances as they infringe on the freedom we enjoy as parents, and they intentionally attempt to indoctrinate children. I will always stand up for equal protection under the law for all West Virginians, I will always stand up for parents rights and I especially will always stand up to protect our children. “

These 20 cities, like Wheeling, could see an impact.

Weld opposed the ordinance because he believes in local control.

"We would be overturning local government action because we now take the stance that Charleston knows best, that we here in Charleston know more than local councils. So I don’t think that’s a good way to govern.

"In West Virginia, like in my floor remarks, we like to say all are welcome. But I’m not sure if forcing the repeal of these types of nondiscriminatory ordinances we are projecting that message. With a declining population in West Virginia we should practice what we preach."

Wheeling-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit The Friendlier City Project says if the bill were to pass in the house, it invalidates what the city stands for as a 'friendly city.'

"The whole reason this has kind of come about is the West Virginia Senate doesn’t want to include gender identity and sexual expression in the Human Rights Act,” The Friendlier City Project Chair Mikaya Green said.

"We are really just trying to urge people who feel strongly about this to reach out to the House because that’s where it’s going next. And not just for LGBTQ+ issues, but it’s really for local government and the rights that we have and the Senate not overriding things we’ve already passed.”