Discrimination in conflict with values of West Virginians

It’s probably the first truism that dashes the idealism of our youth.
You can’t live on love. Sooner, rather than later, you will require housing and employment.
Though there are numerous issues on the Legislature’s agenda one that has come up almost continually since at least 2008 is adding sexual orientation, and later on gender identity, to our state’s Human rights Act. The West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness or disability.
The issue never fails to generate any measure of interest but never advances into that law that bars discrimination in housing and employment.
But for the record, you can still fire someone and evict them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, except in a few communities, including Morgantown.
If you identify yourself as gay, lesbian or transgender, you might find you’re not created equal at work or in your domicile.
Though bills barring such discrimination have advanced out of the state Senate several times in the past, they stalled in the House of Delegates. Some supporters of this legislation have declared that this is the year it will pass, but we’re beginning to doubt it will even emerge from the Senate.
It’s true, Senate President Mitch Carmichael participated in a discussion last month about this measure with its supporters. However, judging by recent statements we get the idea he’s more concerned about winning re-election than barring bigotry.
Since his primary opponent, Delegate Jim Butler,
R-Mason, criticized Carmichael for attending that session he has insisted he’s no supporter of such legislation.
Butler’s criticism minced no words about his position or the state Republican Party’s. “… These special protection bills are not only in conflict with the West Virginia Republican Party Platform, but more importantly, they are in conflict with the values of the vast majority of West Virginians.” He and others maintain they would lead to frivolous lawsuits.
You know, like those lawsuits against racial discrimination or those to ensure employment access to the disabled.
Though some were inclined to think Carmichael might break with the state GOP on this issue, he recently made it clear he’s still “evaluating” such legislation.
We’re unsure Carmichael and others understand human rights — the principle that we are all created equal. But they should understand the backward thinking embodied in discrimination is bad for business.
After all, who would want to move here knowing they are not going to get a fair shake in housing or employment?
But more importantly, this legislation goes to the heart of our sense of fairness and justice.
Not to mention, who you love shouldn’t have any bearing on where you work or live.