Sex orientation bill goes to full House

[davidinalameda]

http://wvgazette.com/News/200803050825

A split House Judiciary Committee gave its nod of approval Wednesday to legislation adding sexual orientation to the state's Human Rights and Fair Housing acts, but not before making a slight change that would mean the bill must be approved again by the Senate.

The legislation (SB600) was unanimously passed by the Senate last week.

House Judiciary members turned down an amendment proposed by Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, to exempt those who morally or for religious reasons do not accept those without a heterosexual orientation. She asked colleagues to "be tolerant of people with religious convictions and vote for my amendment."

Delegate Barbara Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, harkened back to the days when some Americans would justify racial discrimination with the Bible. That was a terrible time and led to a civil war, she said.

WHOO HOO!!!!!!

[MadAnne]

1. I'm amazed this passed the Senate. n/t

[MountainLaurel]

2. Good news!

I'll be sure to harass my family and friend in WV to make sure they contact their representatives.

Anyone think that Manchin, uber-Catholic that he is, might veto it?

[MadAnne]

3. Is this rich or what?

Finally, we've already recognized House Judiciary Chairwoman Carrie Webster for the funniest line of the 2008 session, but the line of the week has to go to Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, for her comments opposing legislation that would have prohibited discrimination on the basis of age or sexual orientation.

"If this trend continues," Sobonya told the Beckley Register-Herald, "no one could discriminate against anyone for any reason."