WV Municipal Leaders Condemn Attack on Local Fairness Laws

CHARLESTON, West Virginia — The West Virginia Senate today voted 25-8 in favor of a bill, Senate Bill 579, which attempts to overturn local nondiscrimination ordinances that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Twenty communities across the state have adopted these ordinances, commonly known as local fairness laws, after thoughtful consideration and debate. Shortly after the Senate’s vote, a coalition of local leaders from all twenty communities signed on to a letter opposing the bill.

“Local governance is a cornerstone of our democracy, allowing communities to make decisions that reflect their values and priorities,” the letter reads. “Each of our cities and towns adopted fairness laws through thoughtful deliberation, often with bipartisan support, to foster inclusive and welcoming environments for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Overturning these protections would disregard the will of our constituents and undermine the ability of local governments to respond to the needs of their communities.”

The letter, a copy of which can be viewed here, stressed the importance of allowing communities to make their own decisions because local leaders best understand the needs of their community.

“This bill is a direct attack on fairness, on local decision-making, and on the basic dignity of LGBTQ+ West Virginians,” said Andrew Schneider, executive director of Fairness West Virginia. “For years, cities and towns across our state have passed local fairness laws because their residents believe that no one should face discrimination simply for being who they are. Now, some lawmakers in Charleston want to strip those protections away—against the will of the communities that put them in place. West Virginia is our home. We deserve the right to live and work here without fear of discrimination. Our leaders should be working to expand protections for all residents, not take them away.”

The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration. More municipal leaders are expected to sign the letter as the bill begins to move in the House.

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Please direct questions and interview requests to Jack Jarvis, Communications Director, at jack@fairnesswv.org

Fairness West Virginia is the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer West Virginians. Our mission is to ensure LGBTQ+ people can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community. We are open to everyone who believes in fundamental fairness.