This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that clarifies the definitions of sex, male, and female, while also providing protections for single-sex spaces. The article emphasizes the importance of reaffirming the traditional meanings of these terms in state law, ensuring the preservation of women's restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters, and addressing issues of privacy and safety from potential abuse or harassment. It also outlines that the definitions of "woman," "man," "girl," and "boy" are based on biological sex, and it establishes that there are only two sexes, male and female, while accommodating individuals with medically verifiable intersex conditions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that public schools and state institutions designate restrooms and changing areas for the exclusive use of males and females, and it requires reasonable accommodations for individuals who cannot use these designated spaces. It also includes provisions for data collection based on sex to better understand and address sex-based differences and discrimination. The bill asserts that any provisions deemed unconstitutional will not affect the remainder of the article, ensuring its severability. Overall, the legislation seeks to create clarity and uniformity in the state's approach to sex and gender-related issues while prioritizing the safety and privacy of individuals in single-sex spaces.

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