The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of West Virginia is suing the state’s House of Delegates and its Government Organizing Committee, alleging that it passed four bills in violation of an open meetings law.
Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging West Virginia's new anti-trans sports law, arguing that the measure banning transgender girls and women from participating in school sports unconstitutionally "discriminates on the basis of sex and transgender status."
West Virginia governor signs transgender athlete ban into law
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice – Photo: Facebook.
On Wednesday, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) signed a bill banning transgender athletes in middle and high schools and state colleges from competing in sports based on their gender identity.
Justice had previously vowed to sign the measure into law, arguing that restrictions on transgender female athletes were needed to ensure that cisgender women are able to earn honors and awards, or qualify for regional and national meets without worrying that they will lose out to athletes assigned male at birth, who, if they have not undergone hormone therapy, retain unfair physiological advantage.
HUNTINGTON â The city of Huntington recently issued a cease-and-desist order to a business on 4th Avenue.
The city said Popâs Lounge, located at 1110 4th Ave., was advertised as an illegal bar. The Huntington Police Department became aware of the bar through social media posts.
A news release from the city said the lessee of the property had repeatedly and unsuccessfully attempted to get a business license to operate a bar on the property.
âDuring the past 18 months, the City of Huntington has experienced several episodes wherein illegal bars have opened unexpectedly, and violent criminal activity has ensued,â the release said.
Justice signed Senate Bill 334, the Senate clerk reported Thursday.
SB 334 establishes a licensing program within the state Department of Health and Human Resources for harm reduction programs operating syringe exchange programs. All new and existing programs will need to apply to the Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification. Programs will need support from the majority of the county commission and the majority of the governing body of a municipality.
For example, the Cabell-Huntington Health Department will need support from the Cabell County Commission and Huntington City Council.
Programs must offer a full array of harm reduction services, like referrals to treatment and HIV testing, and operate toward a goal of turning in a used syringe in order to receive a new one. A West Virginia ID will be required, and syringes must be âuniqueâ to the program.