On Thursday night, lots of West Virginians who are against the “Children’s Bill of Rights” attended a public hearing at the state House of Delegates to voice their opposition to what they refer to as “hateful” and “unjust” anti-transgender policy.
Republican Del introduced it. House Bill 5243, proposed by Kathie Hess Crouse, aims to “bring clarity, clarity, and consistency” to state rules regarding “sex discrimination, justice… and benefits or companies especially provided to males and females.”
According to the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, the bill aims to define “woman,” “man,” ‘female, “male”, “mother,” and “father” in state code. The policy would forbid transgender individuals from using gender-identical restrooms in any state building, including schools.
The act states that when it comes to gender equality, “equal” does not necessarily suggest “the same” or “identical.”
The only LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the state, Fairness West Virginia, claims that HB 5243 is a “totally bogus bill of rights” despite its pro-women’s right name. According to the team, it does nothing to safeguard women’s access to reproductive freedom, equal pay, accessible childcare, or anything else that might benefit the state.
According to Sally Roberts Wilson of Rise Up West Virginia, “this poorly thought-out, scientifically and clinically incorrect bill attempts to undermine the rights of women.” “It is needless, and it treats transgender people and women cruelly and disrespectfully.”
Marshall University undergraduate Max Varney even criticized the “dehumanizing” and “disgusting” costs, claiming that lawmakers are exercising misogynistic views by making false claims about “women’s rights.”
Why shouldn’t I also be regarded as a person? Varney enquired. I’m around today to demonstrate the reality of transgender individuals in West Virginia. I am authentic. I’m here. And I merit humane treatment.
The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia’s time director, Eli Baumwell, warned lawmakers that if the bill was passed into law, it would probably run into legal difficulties.
Baumwell cited the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County ruling from 2020, which stated that gender stereotypes and discrimination based on sexual orientation and female identity are inextricably linked.
This poorly thought-out, medically and clinically incorrect costs, according to Sally Roberts Wilson of Rise Up West Virginia, “attempts to undermine women’s right.” It is needless and a violent and insulting way to treat trans people and women. pic.twitter.com/9qjkijiIJX
On February 8, 2024, Kyle Vass (@WilliamKyleVass)
The ACLU of WV stated that during the common hearing on Thursday, “anti-trans regulations” supporters “greatly outnumbered” those who supported it.
