HB 5674
Prohibiting civil rights violations based on disability, gender identity or sexual orientation
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 5674, designated "Angel’s Law", prohibits civil rights violations in West Virginia based on disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It establishes penalties for individuals who harm or intimidate others due to these protected characteristics and ensures that evidence of constitutionally protected speech or associations isn't admissible in criminal cases unless specifically related to the crime. The bill also outlines sentencing alternatives and considers factors for deferred adjudication.
Key provisions
- Prohibits violence, intimidation, or interference with rights based on disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Establishes felony penalties for intentionally targeting individuals based on these protected characteristics.
- Excludes evidence of constitutionally protected speech or associations from criminal prosecutions unless directly related to the crime.
- Provides for sentencing alternatives, including deferred adjudication.
- Considers factors for alternative sentencing, such as the availability of community corrections programs.
- Designates the amendments as "Angel’s Law".
Who is affected
- Individuals with disabilities
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- West Virginia residents
- Criminal defendants
- Victims of civil rights violations
Notable changes
- Expands civil rights protections to include disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
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