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The Fight Over Transgender Rights in West Virginia

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Transgender people are increasingly coming out and speaking up here in West Virginia. How are we going to respond?

We talk about the legal precedent set by a transgender boy who won the right to use the boys bathroom in his school. Laurie Lin describes the Fourth Circuit case and how it affects West Virginia.

The legal and political fights are a sign of a broader movement of transgender people, and a backlash as well. Rick Wilson tells us why our minds have trouble adjusting to change.

We also discuss the fight over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which died in the West Virginia Senate. Some Republicans who voted against it are being challenged in the May 10 primary.

And finally – am I being too hard on Rick Wilson? We hear from you, our listeners!

Joining me is Rick Wilson, (goat-herder, hillbilly philosopher and proud liberal) from the American Friends Service Committee, and Laurie Lin, lawyer and conservative columnist.

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An edited version of “The Front Porch” airs Fridays at 4:50 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s radio network, and the full version is available above.

Share your opinions with us about these issues, and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in the future. Send a tweet to @radiofinn or @wvpublicnews, or e-mail Scott at sfinn @ wvpublic.org

The Front Porch is underwritten by The Charleston Gazette Mail, providing both sides of the story on its two editorial pages. Check it out:http://www.wvgazettemail.com/