West Virginia § 5-32-1 - 5-32-1. Purpose and general application.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 5-32-1 — 5-32-1. Purpose and general application., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-32-1. 5-32-1. Purpose and general application.
(a) The purpose of this article is to:
(1) Reaffirm the longstanding meaning of sex, male, and female in state law.
(2) Preserve women's restrooms, multiple occupancy restrooms or changing rooms, and sleeping quarters for women in facilities where women have been traditionally afforded privacy and safety from acts of abuse, harassment, sexual assault, and violence committed by men.
(3) Bring clarity, certainty, and uniformity to the laws of the state regarding sex discrimination, privacy, equality of the sexes, and benefits or services specifically provided to men and women.
(b) This article shall apply wherever the state or an instrumentality of the state classifies people on the basis of sex or otherwise defines people as being female or male, women or men, girls or boys.
(c) This article shall not be enforced in any manner inconsistent with or in violation of the ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester School Board, 972 F.3d. 586 (4th Cir. 2020). If a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States or by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit overrule or otherwise render the Grimm decision ineffective, then the limitations on enforcement imposed by this subsection shall be considered repealed.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 5-32-1
What does West Virginia Code § 5-32-1 cover?
Section 5-32-1 ("5-32-1. Purpose and general application.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 5-32-1?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 5-32-1" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 5-32-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.