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January 24, 2006

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 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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