The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article focused on defining sex and preserving single-sex spaces. It reaffirms the definitions of male and female, establishes that biological sex is determined at birth, and outlines the importance of maintaining separate facilities for men and women in various contexts, including domestic violence shelters, public schools, and correctional institutions. The bill emphasizes the need for privacy and safety for women and girls, particularly in environments where they may be vulnerable to abuse or harassment. It also clarifies that the article does not permit examinations of minors to determine their biological sex.

Additionally, the bill mandates accurate sex-based data collection to address unique risks and discrimination faced by males and females. It requires that any public entity collecting vital statistics related to sex must classify individuals strictly as male or female, as defined in the article. The bill includes provisions for severability, ensuring that if any part of the article is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still be enforceable. Overall, the legislation aims to provide clarity and protection regarding sex definitions and the preservation of single-sex spaces in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-32-1, 5-32-2, 5-32-3, 5-32-4, 5-32-5, 5-32-6, 5-32-7, 5-32-8
Committee Substitute: 5-32-1, 5-32-2, 5-32-3, 5-32-4, 5-32-5, 5-32-6, 5-32-7, 5-32-8, 5-32-9
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 5-32-1, 5-32-2, 5-32-3, 5-32-4, 5-32-5, 5-32-6, 5-32-7, 5-32-8, 5-32-9