A gay civil
rights measure passed the Washington State senate on Friday,
a major victory for gay rights activists who have watched
the measure fail in the legislature for nearly 30
years. The bill passed on a 25-23 vote, with a
lone Republican joining majority Democrats.
The measure adds sexual orientation to a list of
characteristics covered by a state law banning
discrimination in housing, employment, and insurance.
Sixteen states have passed similar laws for gays and
lesbians; six of those states have passed laws for
transgender people.
Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, a Republican from
Kirkland, was the lone Republican to endorse the
measure, a year after it lost by just one vote in the
senate. Two senate Democrats voted against the measure.
Because the bill was amended this week in the
senate, it now goes back to the house, which has said
it would agree with the changes. It could be on Gov.
Chris Gregoire's desk by the end of the day, and the
Democratic governor is expected to sign it into law.
The measure passed the house last week on a
60-37 vote, with six Republicans joining 54 Democrats
in supporting the bill. (AP)
