Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has signed a bill that aims to define gender in the state’s code. The bill is the first priority legislation for the state’s attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, and is specifically targeting transgender individuals. This move has sparked controversy and outrage among LGBTQ advocates and civil rights groups.
The bill seeks to define gender as “an individual’s immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth.” This narrow definition excludes transgender individuals, who may not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Critics of the bill argue that it is discriminatory and will harm transgender individuals by denying them legal recognition and protections. They fear that the bill will lead to further discrimination and marginalization of the transgender community in West Virginia.
In contrast, supporters of the bill believe that it is important to establish clear definitions of gender in order to protect the rights of women and girls. They argue that allowing individuals to self-identify their gender could lead to potential harm and abuse.
The signing of this bill marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over transgender rights and discrimination in West Virginia. LGBTQ advocates are expected to continue fighting for equality and protections for transgender individuals in the state.
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