This bill amends the West Virginia Code to strengthen protections against unlawful discriminatory practices under the Human Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. It explicitly prohibits discrimination based on age, sexual orientation, and gender identity, thereby expanding the categories of protected individuals. The bill introduces definitions for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to ensure clarity in the application of these protections. It reaffirms the state's commitment to providing equal opportunities in employment, public accommodations, and housing without regard to various characteristics, including race, religion, and disability.

Additionally, the bill modifies the powers of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, enhancing its ability to investigate discrimination complaints and engage in conciliation agreements. It establishes that discrimination in employment and housing based on the newly included categories is unlawful, while also clarifying that employers can grant hiring preferences to veterans without violating these provisions. In the housing sector, the bill expands the definition of discriminatory practices to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and familial status, and it mandates that housing advertisements must not indicate any preference or discrimination. Overall, the legislation aims to promote equality and inclusivity in West Virginia by enhancing protections against discrimination in both employment and housing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16B-17-2, 16B-17-3, 16B-17-4, 16B-17-8, 16B-17-9, 16B-17-13, 16B-18-3, 16B-18-5, 16B-18-6, 16B-18-7