Post by Logan on Jan 30, 2016 2:38:35 GMT -6
Two groups that aim to improve the economic climate in West Virginia have announced that they oppose a bill that civil rights advocates fear would result in businesses discriminating against LGBT customers and employees, with the leader of one group saying the bill belongs in “a garbage can.”
The bill (HB 4012), titled the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, sets up a legal process for determining if state action is violating a person’s religious beliefs. Because those who feel their beliefs are being violated could argue civil rights laws and ordinances infringe on their religion, civil rights advocates say the laws could be used to discriminate against the LGBT community, women and other protected groups.
Generation West Virginia, a statewide group that works to improve opportunities for young people, and the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce are opposed to the bill. They released statements about the economic impact the potential legislation could cause.
“At a time when West Virginia needs to focus more than ever on innovative policies that will help create new jobs and a more resilient economy, it is unfortunate we have to debate this legislation,” CRCC President and CEO Matt Ballard said. “This bill belongs in one place — a garbage can in the basement of the Capitol.”
- See more at: www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20160129/business-groups-religious-freedom-bill-will-hurt-economy#sthash.xtePCOeQ.dpuf
The bill (HB 4012), titled the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, sets up a legal process for determining if state action is violating a person’s religious beliefs. Because those who feel their beliefs are being violated could argue civil rights laws and ordinances infringe on their religion, civil rights advocates say the laws could be used to discriminate against the LGBT community, women and other protected groups.
Generation West Virginia, a statewide group that works to improve opportunities for young people, and the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce are opposed to the bill. They released statements about the economic impact the potential legislation could cause.
“At a time when West Virginia needs to focus more than ever on innovative policies that will help create new jobs and a more resilient economy, it is unfortunate we have to debate this legislation,” CRCC President and CEO Matt Ballard said. “This bill belongs in one place — a garbage can in the basement of the Capitol.”
- See more at: www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20160129/business-groups-religious-freedom-bill-will-hurt-economy#sthash.xtePCOeQ.dpuf