The proposed 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 bill emphasizes the importance of preserving women's restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to ensure their privacy and safety from potential abuse and violence. It asserts that males and females are legally equal but possess unique biological differences that necessitate separate accommodations in certain contexts, particularly in domestic violence shelters, public schools, and state institutions of higher education. The bill also includes provisions for reasonable accommodations for individuals who may not be able to use facilities designated for their sex.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific definitions for terms related to sex and gender, stating that "woman" and "man" refer to adult humans of the female and male sex, respectively. It mandates that data collection related to sex must accurately categorize individuals as either male or female, in order to address sex-based differences and discrimination effectively. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the article is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still stand. Overall, the legislation seeks to reinforce traditional definitions of sex and protect single-sex spaces within the state.

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