2024 HOD Candidate Questionnaire Response
Name Linda Bodie
Office Sought House of Delegates - 55th District in Kanawha County
Party Affiliation Democrat
Your Hometown Charleston
Campaign Website https://bodie4wv.com
https://www.facebook.com/LindaBodie4WV
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?
Abortion policy in West Virginia should prioritize the autonomy and healthcare needs of women and individuals capable of becoming pregnant. West Virginia's abortion policy should be rooted in the principles of reproductive justice, ensuring that all individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without undue interference from the government.
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?
Yes, I support expanding this protection statewide. Expanding the definition of racial discrimination to include natural hair textures and styles is a necessary step to promote equality, respect cultural diversity, and reduce systemic discrimination in West Virginia. This protection aligns with the values of fairness and justice, which are fundamental to our society.
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?
The legislature should ideally play a supportive role in education, ensuring that schools have the resources and guidelines to provide a high-quality education. However, determining specific curriculum content, especially with the intent to prohibit certain ideas, can overstep into undue interference in educational practices. While it is important for legislation to ensure that educational environments are respectful and non-discriminatory, it should also protect the ability of educators to engage students with diverse and challenging content. This balance is crucial for nurturing informed, thoughtful, and empathetic people.
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?
Ensuring protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on sexuality and gender identity is not only about safeguarding LGBTQ individuals but is beneficial for everyone, including straight and cisgender people. These laws are about universal fairness, ensuring that no one is discriminated against because of who they are or whom they love.
I support a statewide law that enshrines these protections for all citizens. Such a law is fundamentally about affirming the principle of equality under the law for every individual, making it clear that these are not special rights for some, but equal rights for all. This approach not only aligns with core democratic values but also strengthens our communities by ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their sexuality or gender identity, has the opportunity to contribute fully and without fear of discrimination.
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?
The U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause mandates the separation of church and state, ensuring that public schools, as government institutions, do not promote or endorse any particular religion. Public schools should strive to create an inclusive environment that respects and values the diverse beliefs of all students, including those of various religions and those with no religious affiliation. Promoting one religious viewpoint over others can alienate students and families who hold different beliefs, undermining the principles of inclusivity and respect. By honoring the Establishment Clause, public schools can foster a welcoming and equitable atmosphere for everyone.
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?
Medical decisions, including those related to gender affirming healthcare services, should be made by patients, their families, and their healthcare providers, based on the best available medical evidence and individualized patient needs. Supporting access to gender affirming care respects the rights and dignity of transgender individuals and promotes their health and well-being.
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 am against reinstating the death penalty in West Virginia. The death penalty is morally wrong, poses significant risks of wrongful convictions, disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, fails to deter crime, and violates human rights principles.
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?
Addressing homelessness and housing insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that combines increased affordable housing, supportive services, respect for the rights of unhoused individuals, and community engagement. By prioritizing compassion and collaboration, we can create solutions that benefit both unhoused individuals and the broader community, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, stable, and dignified housing.
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?
I support the use of civilian review boards as a means to enhance transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. These boards, alongside measures such as body cameras, independent investigations, and comprehensive training can create a more transparent, accountable, and community-oriented law enforcement system. Importantly, these measures protect police officers as well as the communities they serve, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. By taking these steps, we can strengthen the partnership between police officers and the communities they protect, working towards ensuring justice, equity, and safety for all members of our society.
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?
Addressing the issues of overcrowded jails and understaffed prisons in West Virginia requires a multifaceted approach that includes reducing incarceration rates, investing in rehabilitation and reentry programs, improving prison conditions and staffing, focusing on prevention and early intervention, and enacting policy and sentencing reforms.
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?
The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of citizenship and democracy. Disenfranchisement, particularly of individuals who have been convicted of felonies, raises significant concerns about justice, rehabilitation, and civic participation. The right to vote should be suspended during incarceration and should be restored upon completion of the sentence. This approach respects the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and democracy, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully in society and contribute to the civic life of their communities.
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's role in regulating content should be limited, with a focus on protecting free speech and ensuring access to diverse perspectives while applying legal standards for obscenity narrowly. Comprehensive sexual education and discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity should be supported within an age-appropriate and educational context. Parents should have a role in guiding their children's media consumption, but this should not lead to undue censorship of valuable educational material.