LGBTQ Rights

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We advocate for state and federal non-discrimination laws, and litigate to ensure that religious beliefs cannot be used to justify acts of bias. While there is public support for making discrimination against gay people unlawful, we have more work to do to ensure that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, can fully participate in civil society. The need for enduring attitudinal change underlies our strategic approach to advocacy, which combines litigation and lobbying with public education and grassroots organizing.

Ending Workplacing and Housing Discrimination - With marriage equality in the Mountain State, it’s time legislators provide housing, employment and public accommodation protections for LGBTQ+ West Virginians and stop legislating bathrooms and entertaining so-called “religious freedom” legislation. Now more than ever it is important that West Virginia has enumerated protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
 
Protecting LGBTQ Students - We are also working in the school system to protect LGBTQ students from bullying and harassment. Most recently, we represented Michael Critchfield, a transgender high school student, who was bullied and harassed by his assistant principal in the boys' bathroom at Liberty High School in Harrison County. We are committed to fighting for the rights of every student, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment in school. 

 

The Latest

News & Commentary
Pride

Show Us Your Pride!

2019 West Virginia Pride season is upon us and we couldn't be more excited!
Press Release
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ACLU-WV Files FOIA With Clay County Officials Over School Bus Driver’s Homophobic Remarks

The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia filed a FOIA request today with the Clay County Schools Superintendent, Joe Paxton, and the Clay County Sherriff’s Office regarding an alleged incident that involved a school bus driver’s use of a gay slur.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Rights
Press Release
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Talks Fall Through Between Bullied W.Va. Transgender Teen and Harrison County Schools

After months of discussion, The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) and Fairness West Virginia (Fairness WV) announced today that talks have stalled with Harrison County Schools regarding a November 2018 incident involving the verbal abuse of a transgender high school student.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Rights
Press Release
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West Virginia Transgender Student Bullied, Harassed By Principal In School Bathroom

The American Civil Liberties of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) sent a letter today to Dr. Mark A. Manchin, superintendent for Harrison County schools, regarding an abusive encounter in the boys bathroom directed at a transgender student by an assistant principal at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, W.Va.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Rights
Court Case
Aug 12, 2021

Hersom et al., v. West Virginia Division of Health and Human Resources et al.

Court Case
Feb 17, 2023

BPJ v. WV State Board of Education et al.