The West Virginia House of Delegates just passed HB 4012, The "West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act."  This is a misnomer as the bill's obvious purpose is to allow people to discriminate and break laws based on "sincerely held religious beliefs."  

HB 4012 would hurt the economy of West Virginia as soon as it is passed.  An example that proves this is an almost identical bill that was passed in Indiana.  After this bill was passed, companies cancelled expansions to the state and multiple conferences were cancelled.  This cost Indiana's economy millions of dollars.  Not only this, the state of Indiana had to spend millions for a PR firm to help negate the image of Indiana as a place where discrimination is allowed and a place where not everyone is welcome.  With our already fragile economy, West Virginia cannot afford to lose millions.

HB 4012 would also allow discrimination against LGBT people and any person who does not fit into a person's religious beliefs.  This bill will send the message that West Virginia is not open to all.  Not only this, it would flood the court system with frivolous lawsuits.  Do we really want to reinforce the negative stereotypes that people across the country have about the Mountain State?  For me, I know a West Virginia that is welcoming and safe for all.  Let's let the world see that West Virginia.  Let us reject HB 4012.

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