HB 3476
Prohibiting violations of an individual’s civil rights
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly prohibit violations of an individual’s civil rights based on gender or sexual orientation, in addition to existing protections related to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, and sex. It defines these actions as felonies punishable by fines and imprisonment, and considers such actions as a circumstance to be used in sentencing. The bill also includes provisions regarding self-defense and labor union activities.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of civil rights violations to include gender and sexual orientation.
- Criminalizes actions that intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with someone’s rights based on gender or sexual orientation.
- Establishes felony penalties for violating these expanded civil rights, including fines and imprisonment.
- Considers violations of civil rights based on gender or sexual orientation as a factor in sentencing.
- Clarifies that teaching self-defense techniques is not prohibited.
- Protects labor union activities.
Who is affected
- Individuals in West Virginia
- Potential victims of discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation
- Individuals engaging in labor union activities
Notable changes
- Adds gender and sexual orientation to the list of protected characteristics under civil rights laws.
- Increases the potential penalties for violating civil rights, including imprisonment.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
B. Smith
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