CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A newly proposed bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates aims to prohibit the use of what it describes as “woke words and agendas” in state government communications. House Bill 2406, introduced this legislative session, mandates that all official state documents, websites, literature, and in-person government discourse adhere to specific language guidelines that eliminate certain gender-inclusive terms.
The legislation, if passed, would add Article 8 to the state code, explicitly prohibiting state offices, departments, boards, and commissions from using what the bill refers to as “exclusionary, sexist language” in official business. Instead, it mandates the use of what it calls “accurate, female-affirming alternatives.”
Key Provisions of the Bill
Under the proposed law, effective June 1, 2025, the following terminology changes would be enforced in state government communications:
- “Pregnant people” or “pregnant person” must be replaced with “pregnant women” or “pregnant mom.”
- “Chestfeeding” must be replaced with “breastfeeding.”
- “Body fed” or “person fed” must be replaced with “breast fed.”
- “Human milk” must be replaced with “breast milk.”
- “Birthing person” must be replaced with “birth mom.”
- “Laboring person” must be replaced with “birth mom.”
- “Menstruating person” or “menstruating people” must be replaced with “woman” or “women.”
- “Birth-giver” must be replaced with “woman.”
- “Womxn” or “womyn” must be replaced with “woman.”
Legislative Intent and Reaction
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to preserve traditional language and ensure clarity in government communication. They assert that gender-neutral and inclusive terminology is unnecessary and can be confusing to the public.
“This bill is about making sure our government language reflects biological reality and respects women’s identities,” said a sponsor of the bill. “Terms like ‘birthing person’ erase the unique role of women in society.”
However, opponents criticize the bill as an unnecessary government overreach that targets inclusive language and disregards diverse identities. Civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that such measures could alienate nonbinary and transgender individuals, making government resources less accessible to all citizens.
“This bill sends a harmful message that the government does not recognize the existence or experiences of transgender and nonbinary people,” said a representative from a local advocacy group. “It’s exclusionary and ignores the medical and social realities of many individuals.”
What’s Next?
The bill is currently awaiting committee review and debate in the House of Delegates. If it gains approval, it will move to the Senate for further consideration. Should it pass both chambers and receive the governor’s signature, West Virginia would become one of the first states to enact such specific language restrictions in government communication.
As the debate unfolds, the legislation is expected to spark further discussion about the role of language in governance and the balance between tradition and inclusivity in public policy.
Stay tuned for updates as this bill progresses through the legislative process.
