ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Elkins has officially joined a growing list of West Virginia municipalities taking steps to expand civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ residents.
On Thursday night, the Elkins City Council voted 8-2 to adopt Ordinance 348, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public services, according to Fairness West Virginia.
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The city’s agenda explained that the new measure also “fills several additional gaps in existing state and federal anti-discrimination laws, including protections based on veteran status, marital status and familial status,” which are “still not fully addressed in West Virginia law.”
The ordinance also maintains an exemption allowing religious institutions to hire leaders of their faith in accordance with their beliefs.
Fairness West Virginia reported that dozens of residents and more than 30 local businesses expressed support for the measure ahead of the vote.
With the passage of Ordinance 348, Elkins becomes one of about 20 West Virginia cities to enact such protections.
