MARTINSBURG — On Monday, Republican candidate for State Senate Jason Barrett falsely denied that HB2998 (2021) allowed men to have access to girls’ bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and changing rooms.
“HB2998 simply ensured equal rights in employment and housing. It had nothing to do with allowing men in girls’ bathrooms,” Barrett stated. “I will never support allowing men in girls’ bathrooms.”
FACT CHECK: False
Jason Barrett did, in fact, sponsor a bill to allow men in girls’ public restrooms, showers, and all areas considered to be a public facility within a “public accommodation.” Public accommodations include businesses, churches, parks, gyms, and organizations.
In §5-11-2 on line 2, the bill provided “equal access to places of public accommodations” on the basis of “gender identity.” Therefore, a biological male can identify as a female and gain access to all public facilities.
Barrett, a former registered Democrat serving in the House of Delegates, changed his party affiliation after Republicans gained control of the legislature. He is now running as a Republican for State Senate, against former President of the Berkley County Republican Club Renée Wibly.