Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act and WV Fair Housing Act

HB 5251 would amend West Virginia's Human Rights Act and Fair Housing Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in employment, public accommodations, and housing. The bill adds these categories to the existing list of protected characteristics under §16B-17-2 and defines "gender identity" in §16B-17-3 as "the actual or perceived gender-related identity... regardless of the individual's designated sex at birth." This change directly affects residents facing discrimination in jobs, housing, or public spaces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill does not create new protections beyond those already established for other categories like race or disability.