Beckley Officials Give Preliminary Approval To Add LGBTQ Protections

Another West Virginia city has given preliminary approval for an ordinance that would include “sexual orientation” and “gender identification” to legally protected classes.

News outlets report the Beckley Common Council approved a first reading of the ordinance Monday in a 4-3 vote. A public hearing followed by a second and final reading was scheduled for Jan. 22. If it passes, Beckley would become the 13th city in West Virginia to approve such an ordinance.

Mayor Rob Rappold asked the city council in November to consider an ordinance prohibiting housing and employment discrimination against those who identify as LGBTQ. A similar measure was proposed in 2014, but was tabled amid community opposition.

The Beckley Human Rights Commission voted on Dec. 6 to amend city code to protect LGBTQ residents.