W.Va. Senate to introduce non-discrimination bill - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

W.Va. Senate to introduce non-discrimination bill

CHARLESTON (AP) -

West Virginia Senate President Jeffrey Kessler expects to introduce a bill by the end of the week that would prohibit firing or evicting anyone on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Speaking at a Tuesday rally put on by a gay and lesbian civil rights organization, Kessler promoted non-discrimination against gays and lesbians as an economic issue. He asked why a state with an aging population and a dwindling work force would tell a group of people that they're not welcome. His bill would add sexual orientation to the state Human Rights Act.

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant announced that her agency will adopt a full non-discrimination policy for hiring and office relations. She said the policy was already in place in practice, but this would put it in writing.

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