News
2006-01-24
Washington
house passes gay civil rights bill
The Washington
State house has passed a gay civil rights bill, sending
the measure to the senate, where a Republican's change of
The Washington
State house has passed a gay civil rights bill, sending
the measure to the senate, where a Republican's change of
heart may help it become law. The measure passed on a
60–37 vote Friday, with six Republicans joining
54 Democrats to pass it.
Under the bill, "sexual orientation" would be
added to a state law that bans discrimination in
housing, employment, and insurance. Businesses with
fewer than eight employees would be exempt. Sixteen
states have passed similar laws.
"This legislation is about more than just
changing the law, it is about sending a message," said
Rep. Ed Murray, a Seattle Democrat who has sponsored
the measure for 11 years. "A message that the United
States and Washington State is a place of tolerance. A
message that in Washington State the American dream
applies not to just some of our citizens but to all of
our citizens, including our gay and lesbian citizens."
The measure was first introduced in 1976. The
state's first openly gay lawmaker, Democrat Cal
Anderson of Seattle, sponsored it for eight years
before he died of AIDS in 1995. Gov. Chris Gregoire has said
she will sign the bill if it gets to her desk.
The bill failed in the senate last year by one
vote. Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, a Kirkland Republican,
announced earlier this month that he would switch his
vote to yes, all but assuring its passage. House
Republicans argued Friday that the bill is an unnecessary
expansion of government.
Rep. Don Cox, a Colfax Republican, said that
while house Republicans share Murray's commitment
against hate and bigotry, they are concerned the
measure could result in lawsuits against people who don't
realize the person they failed to hire, or fired, was
gay. "This bill doesn't lead to love, tolerance, and
understanding," he said. "It overreaches in its intent
and leads to rigidity. It overreaches in its
application and leads to uncertainty. And it overreaches in
its administration and leads to intimidation."
Republicans amended the bill on the house floor
to add that it would not modify or change state
marriage laws. A state supreme court ruling on
same-sex marriage could come at any time. Four other
amendments from Republicans were rejected, including a
clause that would require the measure to be approved
by the public at the next general election. "We have
to take leadership and action," said Rep. Eric
Pettigrew, a Seattle Democrat. "We cannot pass this on to
the voters."
The bill has a public hearing before a senate
committee Tuesday and could reach the senate floor by
the end of next week. The gay civil rights bill is
House Bill 2661. (AP)
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