West Virginia passes controversial gender bill permitting child genital inspections

West Virginia's Senate Bill 456, which aims to define 'men' and 'women' in state law and restrict transgender individuals' access to facilities corresponding to their gender identity, has passed both the Senate and the House and is now headed to Governor Patrick Morrisey's desk for approval. A controversial amendment initially allowed health care providers to visually inspect children's genitals to verify biological sex without parental consent, but this was later nullified by a Senate amendment clarifying that such examinations are not authorized. Critics, including the West Virginia Democratic Party and Delegate Kayla Young, have condemned the bill as an invasion of privacy and a violation of parental rights. Proponents argue that the legislation protects women's spaces and promotes accurate sex-based data collection. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 32-1 and received support in the House with 90 votes in favor. Morrisey has indicated that this legislation is a priority for his administration.