Beckley approves LGBTQ protections on first reading

UPDATE: 1/9/19 4:10 P.M.

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

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 the state 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.

The city of Beckley is set to vote on an ordinance to add housing and employment protections for LGBTQ people.

The Register-Herald reports that the city will hold a first reading for the ordinance on Jan. 8.

If it passes, Beckley would become the 13th city in the state to approve such an ordinance.

The vote comes after 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 Beckley in 2014, but it was tabled amid community opposition.

The current code aligns with federal law and prohibits housing and employment discrimination based on sex, race and religion.

The Beckley Human Rights Commission voted in December to amend city code to protect LGBTQ.