The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed a controversial bill that would restrict discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools. Senate Bill 154, approved in an 82-17 vote on Friday evening, also requires school staff to inform parents if students request accommodations related to a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth—such as using a different name or pronoun.
The bill, which now returns to the Senate to consider changes, is part of a wave of legislation targeting how gender-related topics are handled in schools. SB 154 prohibits formal instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity but allows limited exceptions, like answering student questions or referencing these topics in historical or disciplinary contexts.
What the Bill Does
Del. Elias Coop-Gonzalez, R-Randolph, explained that the measure aims to prevent classroom instruction on these topics while still permitting teachers to address relevant student inquiries. “This bill makes it clear that public schools should not be teaching sexual orientation or gender identity,” he said.
The legislation also establishes procedures for filing complaints, outlines disciplinary actions for violations, and directs the state Board of Education to create rules for implementation. The state attorney general would have the authority to enforce the law.
Pushback and Debate
The bill faced opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, proposed an amendment to remove the requirement for schools to notify parents if a student requests to go by a different name or pronoun. Young argued that students often adopt nicknames unrelated to gender identity and that the rule could harm vulnerable youth.
“It has absolutely nothing to do with their gender,” she said. “I don’t want to put kids through this.”
Coop-Gonzalez disagreed, calling the amendment a “huge tweak” that undermines parental rights.
Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, questioned the need for the legislation at all. “What problem are we trying to solve here?” he asked. “This is a personal issue between parents and children. We should leave teachers out of it.”
Even some Republican lawmakers expressed unease. Del. Jeffrey Stephens, R-Marshall, a teacher, spoke about the trust students place in educators and the emotional complexity of these issues. “Somebody’s got to be a trusted adult in that kid’s life,” he said. “I don’t know what the happy medium is.”
Other Bills Await Action
Two other related bills are still under review as the legislative session nears its end. Senate Bill 299, which addresses gender-affirming medical treatments, and Senate Bill 474, which aims to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, were postponed until Saturday, the final day of the session.
The regular 60-day session ends at midnight, and with it, lawmakers face pressure to act on a slate of bills that have ignited statewide and national attention.
