The Fairmont City Council voted 7-2 in favor of the ordinance to reestablish the Fairmont Human Rights Commission and a nondiscrimination resolution which states “it is the public policy of the city to safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to be free from all forms of discrimination, whether as a result of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, blindness, or handicap, and to provide for an inclusive community for all residents, businesses, and visitors.”

With this vote, Fairmont has joined a growing list of West Virginia communities that have chosen to promote nondiscrimination.  While we celebrate this incredible victory for civil rights today, our work is far from over.  We will continue to march forward supporting communities dedicated to creating a more inclusive West Virginia.  

We commend the mayor and City Council of Fairmont for their brave action.  With all eyes on Fairmont, the council’s action today sends a strong message to our state’s leaders:  West Virginia will not succumb to fear and bigotry when it comes to standing up for human rights.