Washington, DC (CNN) It's been 160 years since West Virginia seceded from Virginia. Now, some West Virginia Republicans are encouraging conservative counties that stayed behind to leave.

Frederick County, in northwestern Virginia, using language dating back to the time of the state split, and Two bills are currently advancing in the West Virginia state legislature to bring in new counties. One measure looks to bring inFrederick County, in northwestern Virginia, using language dating back to the time of the state split, and another broadens the invitation to all counties in the state.

Republican state Del. Gary Howell, who backs the broader bill, described his bill in an interview with CNN as the way to "prevent civil war," arguing that people have the right to "live the way they want."

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors did not immediately respond to emails from CNN.

The idea got its most public boost in January, when West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. reminded Virginians that, under West Virginia law dating back to the creation of the state, "additional territory may be admitted into and become part of [West Virginia] state with the consent of the [Virginia] legislature."

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