The West Virginia Capitol in Charleston, W.VA. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)
Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a law on Monday, in which he encoded a “parents of the rights of parents” for West Virginians. In the measure supported by Republicans, it says: “The legislator finds that it is a fundamental right to steer the education, education, care and medical care of their minor children.”
Have more than 20 states – mostly red states – Similar laws.
“We just try to ensure that the parents have the authority to raise their own children here.” said Bill Sponsor del. Jim Butler, R-Mason, when he presented the bill in February to the members of the House of Delegates.
Jordan Carpenter, legal advisor to the alliance of the defense of freedom, a conservative non -profit organization, praised the governor for the signing of the law. He said the legislation would ensure that the parents are free to lead the upbringing of their children.
“Parents love and know their child best, and they have the right and duty to direct the upbringing and care of their children,” said Carpenter. “In no world should the government enter the decisions about parents just because it does not agree to the parents.”
House bill 2129 Contains a language that a parent has the right to educate his child through homeschooling or public and private school, and you can access and check all school documents in terms of his minor child.
It also means that parents have the right to make decisions for health care for their child.
It does not apply to a parental action or decision that would end life like a compact access to an abortion. West Virginia has an almost complete Abortion ban This includes a close exception for rape and incest. Including minors who are victims of rape and incest and can currently access up to 14 weeks to an abortion.
Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, rejected the measure when the House judicial committee checked it in February.
“What I protest is to develop abortion based on the religious beliefs of some people in this legislative, even though there are religions and parents who are not very agreed with this point of view, “he said.
It also excludes a parent who tries to have access to the gender -known care of your child, since the state legislature has almost banned this type of care On the last day of the legislative period – that would remove carving. Medical specialists warned The legislator that this will lead to an increased suicide risk or death of children.
The Bill of Rights of the up-to-date parents do not authorize a parent to operate child abuse or neglect.
While the legislation does not represent criminal sanctions for companies that violate the law against parents, the measure can be used by parents in court in relevant cases in the context of their defense. The invoice will come into force in July.
The house adopted a similar invoice in 2024, but it was not taken for the examination by the Senate.
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