A bill that would exempt businesses, individuals and others from laws meant to prohibit discrimination if those laws violate their "sincerely held" religious beliefs is up for a public hearing in the House Chambers on Thursday morning.
The bill, titled the "West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act," will be discussed during a public hearing at the State Capitol at 9:30 a.m.
Supporters of the bills say they protect people from being forced by the government to violate their religious beliefs. Civil rights advocates say the legislation could be used to discriminate against LGBT individuals and women. For instance, they say a pharmacist could refuse to provide birth control to an unmarried woman, fertility medicine to a lesbian, or medication that halts the transmission of HIV to a gay man. They also say that city employees would be able to sue employers for being required to comply with local nondiscrimination laws.
Delegate John O'Neal, R-Raleigh, is the lead sponsor, while Speaker of the House Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, and several other legislators are co-sponsors.
Both the conservative Family Policy Council and Fairness West Virginia, the LGBT advocacy group in the state, have been encouraging their supporters to come to the hearing. Those who wish to speak are encouraged to arrive at 9 a.m. to sign up.