West Virginia law

Civil Rights Laws in West Virginia.

West Virginia civil-rights law is anchored by the West Virginia Human Rights Act (WVHRA, W. Va. Code § 5-11). The WVHRA applies to employers with 12 or more employees and covers race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40+), blindness, and disability. The WVHRA does not currently include sexual orientation or gender identity at the state-law level (as of 2026), though several municipalities including Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown have adopted local ordinances providing those protections. The West Virginia Human Rights Commission administers the WVHRA.

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Key West Virginia Statutes

West Virginia Human Rights ActW. Va. Code § 5-11

West Virginia's principal civil-rights statute — covering employment (12+ employees), housing, and public accommodations. Administered by the West Virginia Human Rights Commission.

West Virginia Fair Housing ActW. Va. Code § 5-11A

West Virginia's fair-housing statute — substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act.

State law

Official Sources

West Virginia Human Rights Commission

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.

Next step

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in West Virginia.

Get guided help Browse Civil Rights attorneys

Civil Rights Laws in West Virginia.

Key West Virginia Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.