2024 HOD Candidate Questionnaire Response
Name Britney Brogan
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 30
Your Hometown Sod, WV
Campaign Website www.facebook.com/britneybroganforwv
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade. As a result, the WV legislature enacted a near total ban on abortion less than three months later. With no access to or Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think abortion policy should look like in West Virginia?
I think both sides need to meet in the middle. If we continue to go back and forth, we are never going to come to a reasonable solution. In my opinion, a middle ground would be for allowing abortions for any reason in the first trimester. After that, abortions should be allowed for any risk to the mother and also for fetal non viability.
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
Absolutely! There should be zero reason a person should be discriminated against based on a hairstyle, especially if it's the hair they are born with!
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
I support creating well rounded students that learn about all aspects of life. This includes learning about all religions and scientific theories.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary to end the ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
When it comes to matters of employment or housing, there should be no discrimination whatsoever. However, I also do not feel that a bakery should be forced to make a wedding cake for a marriage that goes against their own religious beliefs. Wording of the legislation would be very important in this instance in order to protect the rights and religious beliefs of all of those involved.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed legislation mandating, “In God We Trust” be posted in all West Virginia schools and permitting teachers to discuss ‘creationism’ and ‘intelligent design creationism’ as part of public-school science curricula. What role do you think religion should play in the public school system, and why?
As stated about, I think our public schools should educate on ALL matters of religion and science. We cannot create well rounded students by excluding any type of education. All forms of religion should be included on an equal basis as well as the historical aspects of said religions.
In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers passed HB2007, severely restricting access to gender affirming healthcare services for West Virginians under the age of 18. Proponents of the legislation claimed it was about keeping kids safe, and opponents argued in favor of parental rights and medical freedom. What role, if any, do you believe government should play regarding medical decisions relating to gender affirming healthcare services, and why?
I struggle with this one. As a nurse, I worry about the potential long term effects of puberty blockers, especially as many teens are still trying to figure out their own identities. However, restricting access to it may also cause significant mental distress. Our suicide rates in LGBTQ youth are alarming. I think that we need to focus on the mental wellbeing of teens first and then allow gender transformation at the age of 18 and above.
Though abolished in 1965, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills designed to reinstate the death penalty. What are your thoughts on capital punishment in general, and would you support or oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia?
I only support the death penalty in extreme circumstances, such as serial killers, mass murderers, etc. Those that clearly can never be reintroduced into society.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
We need to focus our efforts on building and maintaining adequate homeless shelters. No one should be living on the streets in our modern society.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
Civilian review boards would be a great monitoring tool to help the police department uncover and address potential concerns. However, I do not think a civilian review board should have the authority to fire/penalize officers. That should be left up to the department.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
STOP PUTTING PEOPLE IN PRISON THAT DON'T BELONG THERE.
Currently, people coming out of incarceration on probation, parole, or supervised release for a felony conviction are unable to vote. When, if ever, do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever, should that right be restored?
If we can allow a convicted felon to run for President of the United States, then everyone should have the right to vote.
Across the country, there is controversy about what is obscene. Often these focus on sexual education, content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity, profanity, and references to sex. This controversy has led to renewed attempts to censor or restrict access to controversial material. What do you think is the proper role of the government in restrict material like this and where do you draw the line at what is obscene?
The government has no business in this whatsoever. Each individual should be able to decide for themselves what is considered obscene.