West Virginia County Apologizes For Discriminating Against Same-Sex Couple Who Applied For A Marriage License
Last year, Amanda Abramovich and Samantha Brookover were harassed by a West Virginia county clerk who ranted at them as they applied for a wedding license. The clerk called them an “abomination” and declared her belief that the same-sex couple shouldn’t be allowed to marry. Today, thanks to Amanda and Samantha’s courage to stand up to discrimination, Gilmer County has promised that other same-sex couples won’t face similar harassment that ruins their wedding days.
Why We’re Fighting Religion-Based Discrimination in West Virginia
Mountaineer Muddle: West Virginia Legislators Contemplate Discriminatory Bills
Just months after the West Virginia Senate voted down the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) bill, Mountain State lawmakers are talking about resurrecting it in the next legislative session.
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of The 2016 State Sessions, Part 1: The Good
Last Week in Review: February 29–March 4
West Virginia Senate Kills RFRA Bill In 27-7 Vote
We at Protect Thy Neighbor have been following the progress of West Virginia’s RFRA bill, HB 4012, closely since its introduction in January. Now, we’re pleased to report that the Senate voted down this harmful bill last night by a vote of 27-7.
Civil Rights Amendment Added To West Virginia RFRA
Last night the West Virginia Senate debated what amendments they would add to HB 4012, their Religious Freedom Restoration Act bill. The bill purports to protect religious freedom, but creates the real threat that it will be used to trump nondiscrimination laws, especially those for LGBT West Virginians. In fact, many pushing the bill support it because it they hope it will allow them to ignore nondiscrimination laws. The bill passed the House and Senate committee with failed attempts to fix this problem.
Last Week In Review: February 22–26
West Virginia Senate President Mum On RFRA Bill
West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole has held back his opinions on the state's proposed RFRA bill, HB 4012. The passed the House on February 11.
West Virginia City Council Considers Whether To Condemn State's RFRA Bill
The Morgantown City Council is considering a resolution to condemn HB 4012, West Virginia's RFRA bill.
West Virginia Businesses Ensure LGBT Community Is Welcome In The Face Of RFRA Bill
AU Sends Letter To A West Virginia County About Abusive Deputy Clerk
Americans United sent a letter to Gilmer County commissioners and County Clerk Jean Butcher stating that Deputy Clerk Debbie Allen violated the constitutional rights of a same-sex couple seeking a marriage license. The deputy clerk had referred to their marriage as "an abomination" and told them that they would be judged by God.
W.Va. Clerk Cannot Verbally Abuse Same-Sex Couples Seeking Marriage Licenses, Says Americans United
Despite RFRA Vote, West Virginia City Passes Anti-Discrimination Law Anyway
Despite yesterday's vote in the West Virginia's House of Delegates on a RFRA bill that would negatively affect municipalities with anti-discrimination ordinances, Martinsburg City Council decided to pass an ordinance anyway.
West Virginia House Passes Its RFRA
In a move as unsurprising as it is depressing, West Virginia's House of Delegates passed HB 4012, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
WV Deputy Clerk Serves Same-Sex Couple A Marriage License With A Heaping Side Of Abuse
Spotlight On: West Virginia's RFRA
Today, the West Virginia House is debating HB 4012, a RFRA bill. As with many other state RFRA bills we seen in the wake of Hobby Lobby and the Supreme Court’s marriage quality decision, HB 4012 could allow individuals, and even for-profit corporations, to discriminate, deny women healthcare, and otherwise harm others in the name of religion.
Opinions Differ Over West Virginia RFRA Bill's Purpose
The debate over West Virginia's HB 4012 RFRA continues, but some state delegates have been more blunt about the purpose of the bill than others.
West Virginia RFRA Hearing Today At 9:30 AM
This morning, starting at 9:30 am, the West Virginia House will hold a public hearing on House Bill 4012, the “West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” West Virginians will be gathering in the House chamber to voice their opinions on this bill. We have some opinions about this bill, too, and it should come as no surprise by now, that we strongly oppose this bill.