Hinton, West Virginia — West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed two bills Wednesday in Summers County that he claims “ends the woke virus” in the Mountain State.
The governor signed a bill Wednesday morning in Summers County that will end DEI programs and initiatives in the Mountain State.
“These so-called DEI practices might sound well-meaning, but they’re designed to pit one group against another,” Morrisey said at the Summers County Memorial Building. “We don’t think that’s appropriate, nor should it happen in West Virginia.”
DEI represents diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Every person should be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “We should view people equally in the eyes of God and under the rule of law.”
Gov. Morrisey also signed a Senate bill prohibiting gender transitioning care for anyone under the age of 18.
“There’s been a lot of efforts over the years, including here in West Virginia, to allow young men to supposedly become young women and allow young women to supposedly become young men,” according to the governor. “This is all nonsense, and we need to expose it for what it is. We are putting an end to that for children in West Virginia.”
The governor was joined by state lawmakers who contributed to the legislation that was signed into law.
“The legislation that had previously passed that this legislation corrects was never designed to transition anyone,” said Sen. Jack Woodrum (R-Summers). “It has been abused by activist physicians. They created a loophole in it. It is a great honor for me to be a part of closing that loophole.”
“I’m glad we have a governor with some backbone and gumption who stands up for what’s right even when it’s not easy,” said Sen. Rollan Roberts (R-Raleigh). “We acknowledge that.”
While applauding lawmakers’ efforts on these two bills and others, the governor stated that there is still legislative work to be done this year, such as addressing PEIA and the school funding formula.
