HOUSE RESOLUTION 6
(By Delegates Coop-Gonzalez, Sheedy, Brooks, Dillion, Foggin, McGeehan, and Street)
[February 17, 2025; Referred to the committee on Health and Human Resources then Rules ]
Recognizing Transgenderism as a mental disorder and affirming the biological reality of two genders.
Whereas, The West Virginia House of Delegates is committed to promoting the well-being of all its citizens through policies based on sound scientific understanding and a respect for the values of our state and nation; and
Whereas, The biological foundation of human beings has been clear since the beginning of mankind, as described in the Holy Scriptures, which state that God created humanity in two distinct sexes, male and female, as recorded in Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them"; and
Whereas, It is widely accepted by the scientific community that there are only two sexes—male and female—defined by chromosomal, anatomical, and physiological characteristics; and
Whereas, Transgenderism, or the condition of identifying with a gender other than the one assigned at birth, is a condition that may require psychological intervention, support, and counseling for individuals experiencing distress; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that the affirmation of transgender identities without comprehensive psychological evaluation and treatment may exacerbate mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, particularly in young people; and
Whereas, It is the duty of the government to ensure that citizens, especially minors, receive the appropriate care and guidance, which may include psychological counseling, in accordance with best medical and psychological practices rather than blind affirmation of gender identity claims; and
Whereas, The state of West Virginia believes in protecting the health and safety of all children and providing them with guidance based on science, compassion, and a commitment to their long-term well-being; and
Whereas, The affirmation of a biological understanding of sex and gender, grounded in both scientific evidence and moral truths, should be reflected in the policies of our state and in the care provided to our citizens, especially youth, as they navigate these issues; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the West Virginia House of Delegates formally recognizes that:
(1) There are only two biological sexes, male and female, and these have been the case since the beginning of human history as described in the Bible, and confirmed by modern science;
(2) Transgenderism, understood as a conflict between one's biological sex and gender identity, is a condition that requires careful psychological evaluation and appropriate mental health care, not blind affirmation;
(3) The state of West Virginia encourages all healthcare professionals to prioritize scientifically-supported treatments and psychological support for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, particularly for minors, to ensure that they receive the best care for their mental health and overall well-being; and
(4) The West Virginia House of Delegates will continue to advocate for policies that protect children and ensure they receive care that is both ethical and based on sound psychological and medical practices; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the West Virginia House of Delegates encourages citizens to engage in open dialogue about these issues, with an emphasis on understanding, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all individuals, while upholding the importance of biological reality.