UPDATE: The West Virginia Senate has adopted SB 238 with 23 affirmative votes.
In it's second year effort, ironically bipartisan action to outlaw sexual orientation or age discrimination in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodation will take its first major step today. At 11AM, the West Virginia Senate will convene for debate and final vote of SB 238.
SB238 seeks to add sexual orientation and age as classes to the West Virginia Human Rights Law. As it stands now, non-state entities, businesses, landlords, and employers have the legal authority to fire, evict, or deny service to any person simply because one is perceived to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
As with any issue involving GLBT rights, there will be a split vote either for or against passage. Some Democrats will vote against the legislation, and some Republicans will vote for the legislation. Of my two State Senators, both of whom are Democrats, one has pledged to vote for and the other has pledge to vote against. (The negative voting Senator stated to me on the phone that he's concerned about unnecessary litigation, though the largest block of donors to his campaign are attorneys. He also resides in the county with the highest unemployment rate in the West Virginia.)
Last year, similar legislation was adopted by the Senate by voice vote, was recommended by the House Judiciary Committee, but was never brought to a full vote on the House floor. Unlike last year, however, this session's House version includes two Republican co-sponsors. The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has even acquiesced and voiced no opposition to this bill because it provides an exemption for religious-based organizations.
I would urge any West Virginians or former West Virginians (especially GLBT former West Virginians) to contact these Senators offices prior today's 11AM floor session. Voice not only your support of this legislation but any particular instance or personal anecdote relating to this bill.
Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan): (304) 357-7801
Senator Larry J. Edgell (D-Wetzel): (304) 357-7827
Senator Robert H. Plymale (D-Wayne): (304) 357-7937
Senator John Unger II (D-Berkeley): (304) 357-7933
Senator Joseph M. Minard (D-Harrison): (304) 357-7904
Senator Mike Green (D-Raleigh): (304) 357-7831
Senator Ron Stollings (D-Boone): (304) 357-7939
Senator Roman Prezioso (D-Marion): (304) 357-7961
Urge them to vote YES on SB 238!