West Virginia is on the verge of joining a growing number of states that are enacting legislation to safeguard women's rights.
House Bill 5243, which aims to define sex-based terms used in state law, is set to be signed into law by Republican Governor Jim Justice. The bill, dubbed the "West Virginia Women's Bill of Rights," has already been adopted in four other states, including Oklahoma in August.
Speaking on "America's Newsroom," Governor Justice expressed his pride in the Women's Bill of Rights and his intention to sign it. He emphasized the importance of standing up for women and doing what is right. Governor Justice, who has a background in coaching girls' basketball, believes that this legislation is essential in many ways.
The bill, introduced last week, seeks to provide clear definitions for sex-based terms, establish separate single-sex environments based on biology, and ensure the accuracy of public data collection. Riley Gaines, a former NCAA Division 1 swimmer and host of OutKick's "Gaines for Girls" podcast, voiced her support for the legislation, stating that it is necessary and urgent not just for West Virginia, but for the entire nation. She believes that West Virginia's action will set a precedent for other states.
This is not the first time Governor Justice has taken a stance on gender-related issues. In March 2023, he signed a bill prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors, including gender-affirming surgery. The bill went into effect earlier this month.
The Women's Bill of Rights in West Virginia is part of a broader movement across the country to protect and empower women. As more states take action, the conversation surrounding women's rights continues to evolve. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Login