A split House Judiciary Committee gave its nod of approval Wednesday to legislation adding sexual orientation to the state's Human Rights and Fair Housing acts, but not before making a slight change that would mean the bill must be approved again by the Senate.
A split House Judiciary Committee gave its nod of approval Wednesday to legislation adding sexual orientation to the state's Human Rights and Fair Housing acts, but not before making a slight change that would mean the bill must be approved again by the Senate.
The legislation (SB600) was unanimously passed by the Senate last week.
House Judiciary members turned down an amendment proposed by Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, to exempt those who morally or for religious reasons do not accept those without a heterosexual orientation. She asked colleagues to "be tolerant of people with religious convictions and vote for my amendment."
Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, harkened back to the days when some Americans would justify racial discrimination with the Bible. That was a terrible time and led to a civil war, she said.
"I think adoption of [Sobonya's] amendment would gut the bill," she said. Committee members agreed and the amendment received few votes.
Members then passed an amendment by Delegate Alex Shook, D-Monongalia, that specifically added bisexuals and homosexuals to the definition of those being discriminated against.
The discussion of the bill drew a roomful of people to the committee meeting, and opponents insisted on a roll call vote so each member's vote would be recorded. The bill passed 13-7.
West Virginia's Human Rights Act already covers "race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability or familial status."
The housing law addresses race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, familial status and national origin, and blindness and handicap in lieu of disability. It does not include businesses with 12 or less employees.
Paul Sheridan, state deputy attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, said the state's Human Rights Commission receives between 400 and 600 complaints of alleged discrimination each year.
From initial investigations, staff members usually eliminate between 80 percent and 90 percent of the complaints as not valid, he said.
Delegate Melvin Kessler, D-Raleigh, said he felt constrained by committee rules during the discussion, some, he believed, that limited types of questions he could ask.
A split House Judiciary Committee gave its nod of approval Wednesday to legislation adding sexual orientation to the state's Human Rights and Fair Housing acts, but not before making a slight change that would mean the bill must be approved again by the Senate.
The legislation (SB600) was unanimously passed by the Senate last week.
House Judiciary members turned down an amendment proposed by Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, to exempt those who morally or for religious reasons do not accept those without a heterosexual orientation. She asked colleagues to "be tolerant of people with religious convictions and vote for my amendment."
Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, harkened back to the days when some Americans would justify racial discrimination with the Bible. That was a terrible time and led to a civil war, she said.
"I think adoption of [Sobonya's] amendment would gut the bill," she said. Committee members agreed and the amendment received few votes.
Members then passed an amendment by Delegate Alex Shook, D-Monongalia, that specifically added bisexuals and homosexuals to the definition of those being discriminated against.
The discussion of the bill drew a roomful of people to the committee meeting, and opponents insisted on a roll call vote so each member's vote would be recorded. The bill passed 13-7.
West Virginia's Human Rights Act already covers "race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability or familial status."
The housing law addresses race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, familial status and national origin, and blindness and handicap in lieu of disability. It does not include businesses with 12 or less employees.
Paul Sheridan, state deputy attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, said the state's Human Rights Commission receives between 400 and 600 complaints of alleged discrimination each year.
From initial investigations, staff members usually eliminate between 80 percent and 90 percent of the complaints as not valid, he said.
Delegate Melvin Kessler, D-Raleigh, said he felt constrained by committee rules during the discussion, some, he believed, that limited types of questions he could ask.
"I couldn't speak in there," said Kessler, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate. "We had stuff stuck down our throats." He said he opposed the legislation because of religious convictions.
At Tuesday's public hearing, at least one speaker who opposed the bill alleged several senators were misled into supporting the legislation by Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall.
House Judiciary Chairwoman Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha, challenged those allegations. Webster said Kessler "stands by the provisions in the bill" and said he misled no one.
The bill goes to the House floor for consideration.
Delegates passed six bills during the House's evening floor session, including:
Legislation (SB492) that allows part-time prosecuting attorneys to become full-time after reaching a funding agreement with county commissioners. A bill (SB552) slicing up fees collected for pre-paid wireless calling cards. Legislation (SB571) making certain types of lung diseases considered occupational diseases in workers' compensation cases for both professional and volunteer firefighters. A bill (SB596) approving an interstate sales tax compact. Legislation (SB671) increasing the base salary for state Court of Claims judges to $210 a day and giving the presiding judge an additional $50 daily.To contact staff writer Tom Searls, use e-mail or call 348-5198.
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