The Charleston Gazette reports
Barbie's life in plastic? Not so fantastic, as far as one Lincoln County delegate is concerned.
Democrat Jeff Eldridge introduced a bill in the House of Delegates on Tuesday that would ban the sale of Barbie dolls - and "other dolls that influence girls to be beautiful" - in West Virginia.
Eldridge said the dolls have encouraged girls to value their physical appearance more than their education and intelligence.
"I hate the myth around, if you're beautiful, you don't have to be smart," Eldridge said.
His bill, HB 2918, would make it illegal to sell Barbie dolls "and other similar dolls that promote or influence girls to place an undue importance on physical beauty to the detriment of their intellectual and emotional development."
Kids need to know that "beauty from the inside" is just as important as outer beauty, Eldridge said.
He is the father of a 13-year-old son, and said he's worked extensively with children during his time as a social worker and coach of kids' sports teams.
The bill proposes no penalty if people were to continue selling Barbie dolls in the Mountain State. Eldridge is the only sponsor of the proposal, which has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
A spokeswoman for Mattel Inc., which manufactures the toy, did not return requests for comment on Tuesday.
The famous fashion doll is turning 50 next week, and various events are planned for a year-long celebration of Barbie's anniversary, according to Mattel's Web site. She debuted March 9, 1959, at the American International Toy Fair.
Eldridge has also recently drawn attention for his proposed legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts competitions.
Thanks to Wendy McElroy
they had to realize proposing a Barbie ban would cause a big media stir... but maybe this was strategic
legislators had to realize proposing a Barbie ban would cause a big media stir, but then again maybe this was strategic...