Safeguarding Females’ Spaces with Statewide Standards

We support Senate Bill 579 because it restores consistency, clarity, and constitutional integrity to West Virginia’s legal framework.

This bill ensures that discrimination protections are determined democratically by the people of West Virginia through their elected representatives—not imposed obscurely by city councils.

Many of these local ordinances have mandated controversial policies, such as allowing biological males access to women’s restrooms and locker rooms based on “gender identity”—raising legitimate safety and privacy concerns for women and girls.

Furthermore, these ordinances were passed without the accountability or transparency expected of policies that impact families, children, and public accommodations.

By returning this authority to the state level, SB 579 affirms the role of the Legislature in setting standards that reflect the values of the majority of West Virginians. This bill is not about denying dignity or respect to anyone—it is about protecting parental rights, maintaining the privacy of minors in sensitive spaces, and preventing the misuse of local power to advance ideologically driven policies.