This bill aims to amend West Virginia's existing law on civil rights violations by expanding the definition of protected characteristics to include gender and sexual orientation. Specifically, it modifies the language in section 61-6-21 of the Code of West Virginia, which currently protects individuals from violence or intimidation based on their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, and political affiliation. The proposed changes will insert "gender" and "sexual orientation" into the list of protected categories, thereby enhancing the legal framework against discrimination and violence.

In addition to the insertions, the bill also removes the term "sex" from the existing language, ensuring that the new terms "gender" and "sexual orientation" are explicitly recognized. The penalties for violating these civil rights remain severe, with offenders facing felony charges, fines up to $5,000, and potential imprisonment for up to ten years. The bill also clarifies that the teaching of self-defense techniques and labor union activities are not affected by these changes. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for individuals against hate crimes and discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-6-21