CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A business organization, first formed in 2015 in response to proposed legislation dealing with business and religious rights, continues to grow with similar measures pending in the 2016 Regular Legislative Session.
“This movement reinforces the business community’s commitment to West Virginia and its people,” said Jill Rice, spokesperson for Opportunity West Virginia.
“At the end of the day, legislation that would result in discrimination against individuals, from any background, sends a message that our state is not open for business.”
Rice was a guest on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” which originated from the State Capitol a day after the proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee with a 16-9 vote and moved on to the House floor.
Supporters of the legislation claim it’s needed to protect the rights of people whose religious beliefs may be in conflict with state law.
Rice has a different view.
“I think it’s discrimination any way you look at it and, if we want to talk about the economic impact, I believe this bill would have an economic impact to the detriment for West Virginia,” she said. Inclusiveness and diversity, she said, are economic drivers.
Opportunity West Virginia, a nonpartisan group pledging to fight “any bills aimed at promoting discrimination within the business community,” provided the following statements from some of its members:
“Any state law that would empower an individual employee to impose their own personal conscience or religious views on relationships with customers and the communities our member operate would most certainly create a negative perception about West Virginia and its business climate for those making investment decisions about our state in the cable telecommunications industry.”
– Mark Polen, Executive Director, West Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association
“Embassy Suites, Charleston, WV firmly believes that all people are entitled to equal opportunities in employment as well as in receiving the services that we provide. We solicit groups from all around the region and these days people expect that all their attendees will be safe and have equal rights. West Virginia needs to be welcoming and open for business.”
– Mark Cherry, Embassy Suites, Charleston, W.Va.
“Our generation places high value on the importance of diversity and cites a lack of diversity as one of the biggest barriers to innovation in the workplace (Deloitte, 2014). Communities and workplace cultures where diversity and openness thrive will more likely attract top talent, especially young, creative, and entrepreneurial candidates. Our ability to present a truly diverse and inclusive state is critical to our success in attracting, developing, and retaining the best and brightest talent.”
– Natalie Roper, Executive Director, Generation West Virginia
“If passed this bill would drive away more of our youth, make sure those that have left do not come home, prevent any major business from investing in West Virginia and force the state to spend millions of tax payer money to try and repair the negative impact this would have on the image of our state. At a time when West Virginia needs to focus more than ever on innovative policies that will help create new jobs and a more resilient economy, it is unfortunate we have to debate this legislation.”
– Matt Ballard, President and CEO, Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce
A final vote on HB 4012 could come early next week in the House of Delegates.