For the entirety of 2015, Fairness Elkins has been working to pass legislation through the Elkins City Council that would make it illegal to fire someone or deny them housing based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, these criteria are not currently included in existing federal or state nondiscrimination laws. Several cities across the United States, however, have passed local ordinances that add these protections to local nondiscrimination policies. Six West Virginia cities have already passed such ordinances, including our state’s capital, Charleston, and our smallest town, Thurmond.
Our goal is to make Elkins next. Back in March, we successfully enacted a nondiscrimination resolution, which essentially holds the same sentiment– equal protection for all– but without the force of law. We want to be able to actually enforce these protections in order to make all of our citizens feel safe and welcomed in our community and to show outsiders what a progressive, inclusive town Elkins truly is.
