SB 987
Prohibiting discrimination based upon gender identity or sexual orientation
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment and places of public accommodations, and also prohibits discrimination based on age and sexual orientation or gender identity in housing. It amends existing West Virginia laws to include these protected characteristics under the Human Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, and defines the terms ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ for clarity.
Key provisions
- Expands the categories of protected characteristics under the Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the categories covered by the Fair Housing Act.
- Defines ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ for legal purposes.
- Prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on the expanded list of protected characteristics.
- Prohibits discrimination in housing based on the expanded list of protected characteristics.
- Updates definitions within the Human Rights Act to include age and sexual orientation/gender identity.
- Clarifies the scope of ‘place of public accommodations’.
- Establishes procedures for investigating and addressing complaints of discrimination.
Who is affected
- Individuals
- Employers
- Businesses providing public accommodations
- Housing providers
- West Virginia Human Rights Commission
Notable changes
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