The proposed bill aims to establish the "West Virginia Women's Bill of Rights," which seeks to clarify and standardize laws regarding sex discrimination and the definitions of sex-based terms within the state. It introduces a new article to the Code of West Virginia, defining key terms such as "woman," "man," "girl," and "boy," and emphasizes that sex is determined biologically at birth, explicitly stating that there are only two sexes. The bill also mandates that the term "gender" be replaced with "sex" in state law, reinforcing the distinction between biological sex and gender identity.
Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for maintaining single-sex environments in various public settings, such as athletics and shelters, without violating anti-discrimination laws. It establishes guidelines for data collection, requiring that individuals be identified as either male or female in relevant statistics. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still stand. Overall, the legislation aims to protect and define the rights and spaces of women and men in West Virginia.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6