BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – SB 456, also known as the “Stand with Women Legislation” is now headed to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk after being passed by the West Virginia legislature.
The bill seeks to codify the definition of “men” and “women” into state law. It would ban transgender people from accessing spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.
The bill also includes an amendment that that would allow healthcare officials to visually inspect a child’s genitals in order to verify biological sex without parental consent.
“It’s unconscionable that Republicans would support legislation that authorizes intrusive visual inspections of minors without parental approval,” Delegate Kayla Young (D-Kanawha County) said. “West Virginians should be alarmed and disgusted by this invasion of privacy.”
Proponents of the bill say it protects women by affirming “single-sex spaces”.
“This bill is simple and reflects the values we hold dear in West Virginia. It is an honor to have helped make this happen. I am grateful to Governor Morrisey’s leadership in prioritizing this pro-woman legislation that prevents sex-discrimination and will celebrate all women and girls across the state when he signs it into law,” said Senator Amy Grady (R-Mason)
SB 456 was passed by the Senate Tuesday 32-1 with one Senator absent for the vote. In the House, 90 delegates voted in favor, eight opposed, and two were absent.
It now heads to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk to be signed into law.
According to Independent Women’s Voice the bill follows Governor Patrick Morrisey’s introduction of the legislation as a top priority during his State of the State Address, which called upon the legislature to pass the bill after they failed to pass similar laws in previous sessions.
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