CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia lawmakers are again promoting a bill to prohibit employers and landlords from discriminating against people based on sexual orientation.

At a Fairness West Virginia news conference Monday, Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler and other Democratic officials discussed the legislation that Kessler has supported for years.

Appalachian Electric Power executive Charles Patton also spoke in support of it.

West Virginia law prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based a variety of factors, from race and religion to blindness or disability.

Kessler’s bill would add “sexual orientation” to the list.

Republican Senators Mitch Carmichael and Daniel Hall were scheduled to speak, but said they missed the event for a committee meeting. Republicans hold majorities in both legislative chambers.

Both lawmakers said they weren’t looking to endorse or oppose the legislation.

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