February 11, 2016
West Virginia House to Vote on 'License to Discriminate' Bill
Jonathan Matisse READ TIME: 1 MIN.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A religious freedom bill that opponents say would allow for discrimination in West Virginia is set for a House of Delegates vote.
The Republican-led House has set the legislation up for a likely Thursday vote.
The proposal would let people cite religious grounds in certain court proceedings. Proponents say it protects people's freedoms to express deeply held religious beliefs, as long as there isn't a compelling state interest to restrict them.
Opponents say it's a license to discriminate, particularly against gay people.
A variety of business interests oppose the bill, from the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce to Charleston's Marriott hotel.
Tourism group Visit Indy said Indiana might have lost $60 million when a dozen groups decided against hosting conventions in Indianapolis because of its similar state law.
