Seattle Times: Microsoft gay workers call for action
April 30, 2005
Microsoft's gay and lesbian employee group yesterday demanded that the company take steps to support anti-discrimination legislation in Washington state.
A company spokeswoman said the input is welcome but had no comment on whether it will result in any changes.
The company supported the legislation in the past but took a neutral stance this year, upsetting some advocates and employees.
A company spokeswoman said the input is welcome but had no comment on whether it will result in any changes.
The company supported the legislation in the past but took a neutral stance this year, upsetting some advocates and employees.
Southern Voice: Microsoft, Procter & Gamble caving to religious leaders?
April 29, 2005
Cheung, from Equal Rights Washington, said his group had also been unable to talk with gay Microsoft employees, and added it is possible that Hutcherson is inadvertently benefiting from Microsoft’s switch even though he may have had nothing to do with it.
But that doesn’t lessen the negative impact Microsoft’s decision had on the non-discrimination bill, Cheung said.
“What’s important to know is that Sen. Bill Finbeiner, the [Republican] minority leader who locked up all 23 members of his caucus to vote against the bill, represents Redmond, which is Microsoft’s district,” Cheung said. “So Microsoft’s decision certainly gave him extra political coverage not to support the bill.”
Cheung also criticized Microsoft’s employment of Ralph Reed, a conservative political consultant who rose to fame as former president of the Christian Coalition.
But that doesn’t lessen the negative impact Microsoft’s decision had on the non-discrimination bill, Cheung said.
“What’s important to know is that Sen. Bill Finbeiner, the [Republican] minority leader who locked up all 23 members of his caucus to vote against the bill, represents Redmond, which is Microsoft’s district,” Cheung said. “So Microsoft’s decision certainly gave him extra political coverage not to support the bill.”
Cheung also criticized Microsoft’s employment of Ralph Reed, a conservative political consultant who rose to fame as former president of the Christian Coalition.
The Advocate: Gates surprised by criticism over Microsoft withdrawal on gay rights bill
April 28, 2005
Microsoft came under renewed criticism from gay rights groups on Tuesday after AmericaBlog, a Washington D.C.-based site that writes on politics and gay rights issues, revealed that the company is using former Christian Coalition chief Ralph Reed's lobbying firm, according to a report from CNETNews.com. Reed has been a longtime opponent of gay rights. The state gay rights group Equal Rights Washington called on Microsoft to sever its connection to Reed's Century Strategies firm and to hold talks with them on rights issues. "We're just dismayed that as an agent of Microsoft, [Reed] might have played a role in the defeat of equal rights for all Washingtonians," George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, told CNET. His group has invited the company's top executives to a town hall meeting on Friday to discuss the company's future activities.
Gay City News: Microsoft Showdown on Gay Rights
The bill’s author, Seattle Democratic Rep. Ed Murray, who is gay, said that if Microsoft had renewed its support for the bill early in the legislative session and been consistent, it “might have made all the difference.” But Murray stopped short of saying that Microsoft’s change of position killed his legislation, because the company’s switch became clear so close to the Senate vote.
But the leader of Washington State’s major gay advocacy organization, Equal Rights Washington, draws a straight line from Microsoft’s withdrawal to the bill’s defeat. The bill failed on a nearly party-line vote, with two Democrats and all of the Senate’s Republicans voting against it, and George Cheung, who heads the group, said that Microsoft’s move gave the Republicans “ample cover to lock up [their] caucus and prevent fair-minded Republicans from voting against discrimination.” Cheung said he had assurances from two or three Republicans that they were willing to vote for the bill, “if they were going to be able to vote their consciences.”
But the leader of Washington State’s major gay advocacy organization, Equal Rights Washington, draws a straight line from Microsoft’s withdrawal to the bill’s defeat. The bill failed on a nearly party-line vote, with two Democrats and all of the Senate’s Republicans voting against it, and George Cheung, who heads the group, said that Microsoft’s move gave the Republicans “ample cover to lock up [their] caucus and prevent fair-minded Republicans from voting against discrimination.” Cheung said he had assurances from two or three Republicans that they were willing to vote for the bill, “if they were going to be able to vote their consciences.”
The Stranger: REVELATIONS- Minister and Microsoft Executive Offer Wildly Different Versions of Meeting
The Microsoft Corporation, under sustained fire from gay rights activists, employees, bloggers, and the national media after The Stranger reported last week that the company had withdrawn its support for a state gay rights bill under pressure from a Christian pastor, is disputing fresh claims by the minister that the company shifted its position on the bill in response to his demands.
The Stranger informed the company late Monday afternoon, April 25, that the minister at the center of the controversy, Dr. Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, had provided the paper with his recollections of two conversations with Microsoft Senior Vice President and General Counsel Bradford L. Smith during an hour-long interview at the church office that afternoon.
Over the course of the interview, Hutcherson sharply contradicted the company’s public stance in recent days that it had decided to take a neutral stance on the bill prior to meeting with him.
The Stranger informed the company late Monday afternoon, April 25, that the minister at the center of the controversy, Dr. Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, had provided the paper with his recollections of two conversations with Microsoft Senior Vice President and General Counsel Bradford L. Smith during an hour-long interview at the church office that afternoon.
Over the course of the interview, Hutcherson sharply contradicted the company’s public stance in recent days that it had decided to take a neutral stance on the bill prior to meeting with him.
P-I: Corporations weigh social issues against bottom line
April 27, 2005
"Microsoft absolutely should be backing anti-discrimination legislation like this, because it's good for business," said George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, a group trying to end gender-based discrimination. "That kind of law helps attract and retain top-quality employees who may otherwise go to more tolerant states. And it's in tolerant environments that workers are most productive, because they feel most respected."
Since the controversy began last week, Microsoft has defended itself in part by noting that it was among the first companies to offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners and include sexual orientation in its corporate non-discrimination policy
Since the controversy began last week, Microsoft has defended itself in part by noting that it was among the first companies to offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners and include sexual orientation in its corporate non-discrimination policy
365Gay.com: Spokane OKs Gay Partner Benefits
Less than a week after state legislators rejected a civil rights bill to protect gays and lesbians in the workplace and housing, the Spokane City Council has approved extending benefits to unmarried partners of city employees.
Council voted 5 - 2 in favor of the plan with the condition that the city's labor unions must negotiate the benefits in their contracts.
"It's about respect, dignity, justice," said council President Dennis Hession, who sponsored the measure and won enough yes votes to override any potential veto by Mayor Jim West, who previously had said he was against the measure.
Council voted 5 - 2 in favor of the plan with the condition that the city's labor unions must negotiate the benefits in their contracts.
"It's about respect, dignity, justice," said council President Dennis Hession, who sponsored the measure and won enough yes votes to override any potential veto by Mayor Jim West, who previously had said he was against the measure.
CNN: Microsoft drops support of gay rights bill
Microsoft Corp., one of the earliest companies to extend benefits to gay employees, now finds itself in the crosshairs of angry activists for rescinding support for gay rights legislation in its home state.
Critics say the world's No. 1 software maker caved to pressure from an NFL linebacker-turned-local pastor who had threatened to launch a nationwide boycott, and tried to tiptoe away from a bill it had previously supported.
Last week, the measure failed in Washington state's Senate by a single vote.
Critics say the world's No. 1 software maker caved to pressure from an NFL linebacker-turned-local pastor who had threatened to launch a nationwide boycott, and tried to tiptoe away from a bill it had previously supported.
Last week, the measure failed in Washington state's Senate by a single vote.
P-I: Microsoft defends ties to Ralph Reed
Microsoft Corp. is paying social conservative Ralph Reed $20,000 a month as a consultant, triggering complaints that the well-connected Republican with close ties to the White House and to evangelist Pat Robertson may have persuaded the company to oppose gay rights legislation.
Reed, who got his start in politics by running the Christian Coalition for Robertson and who had a senior role in President Bush's 2004 campaign, is a leading figure in the social conservative movement that spearheaded opposition to gay marriage, stem cell research, abortion, gambling and other issues.
Microsoft spokesman Mark Murray said the company has hired Reed on several occasions to provide advice on "trade and competition issues." He said Reed's relationship as a consultant with the software company extends back "several years."
Reed, who got his start in politics by running the Christian Coalition for Robertson and who had a senior role in President Bush's 2004 campaign, is a leading figure in the social conservative movement that spearheaded opposition to gay marriage, stem cell research, abortion, gambling and other issues.
Microsoft spokesman Mark Murray said the company has hired Reed on several occasions to provide advice on "trade and competition issues." He said Reed's relationship as a consultant with the software company extends back "several years."
P-I: Payments to Reed sully Microsoft
The man dubbed "The Right Hand of God" has fingerprints all over Microsoft. Still.
Ralph Reed is more than a Friend of Bill -- he is a paid GOP consultant, getting $20,000 a month from Microsoft to help shape the software behemoth's image in the global marketplace.
Judging from Reed's past -- he was the former head of the evangelical Christian Coalition -- that means serving up vitriolic viewpoints about gays and lesbians.
Judging from Microsoft's actions -- the company just yanked its support of a legislative bill in Olympia to protect gays -- the Reed brand of insight is shining through.
Ralph Reed is more than a Friend of Bill -- he is a paid GOP consultant, getting $20,000 a month from Microsoft to help shape the software behemoth's image in the global marketplace.
Judging from Reed's past -- he was the former head of the evangelical Christian Coalition -- that means serving up vitriolic viewpoints about gays and lesbians.
Judging from Microsoft's actions -- the company just yanked its support of a legislative bill in Olympia to protect gays -- the Reed brand of insight is shining through.
Washington Post: Microsoft Draws Fire for Shift on Gay Rights Bill
April 26, 2005
Microsoft Corp. has long taken pride in its progressive employment practices. It was one of the first major companies to provide domestic partner benefits, and it has long included sexual orientation in its own anti-discrimination policies. The company, headquartered in Washington state, also is one of a handful to protect workers based on whether they follow gender conventions or not, through their dress, mannerisms or other expression.
But Microsoft's decision to withdraw its support for state legislation that would have banned discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and insurance drew sharp criticism yesterday from those who say the company missed an opportunity to make an important public statement. Instead, they say, Microsoft caved in to pressure from religious conservatives who opposed the bill, which failed by one vote last week.
Microsoft's progressive personnel polices made its endorsement of a Washington state gay rights bill seem like an easy call, at first.
"For a company that presents itself as cutting-edge and forward-thinking, such a move seems backward," Robert L. Jamieson Jr., a columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, wrote yesterday. "And for a company recognized as a corporate leader for its treatment of gay employees, such inaction seems hypocritical, too."
But Microsoft's decision to withdraw its support for state legislation that would have banned discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and insurance drew sharp criticism yesterday from those who say the company missed an opportunity to make an important public statement. Instead, they say, Microsoft caved in to pressure from religious conservatives who opposed the bill, which failed by one vote last week.
Microsoft's progressive personnel polices made its endorsement of a Washington state gay rights bill seem like an easy call, at first.
"For a company that presents itself as cutting-edge and forward-thinking, such a move seems backward," Robert L. Jamieson Jr., a columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, wrote yesterday. "And for a company recognized as a corporate leader for its treatment of gay employees, such inaction seems hypocritical, too."
New York Times: Microsoft Weighs Reversal on Gay Rights, Gates Says
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has indicated he may reconsider his company's decision not to support a Washington State gay rights bill amid the growing firestorm inside and outside the company that exploded after the recent disclosure that Microsoft had changed its position on the bill.
In an interview with The Seattle Times on Monday, Mr. Gates, who rarely grants interviews and declined through a spokesman Tuesday to grant one to The New York Times, indicated that he was surprised by the backlash to the company's turnaround on the legislation. He also suggested that Microsoft, which had been known for decades as a corporate leader on gay rights and had supported the bill in previous years, might change course next year because of the controversy.
National and state gay rights groups continued to put pressure on Microsoft. One group, Equal Rights Washington, e-mailed Mr. Gates and Mr. Ballmer on Tuesday, requesting a meeting and demanding that the company fire Mr. Reed. The group said it had received no response as of Tuesday evening.
"We're dismayed to know that Ralph Reed is on the payroll of Microsoft," said Dan Kully, a spokesman for Equal Rights Washington. "In our opinion, Microsoft's reputation as a fair-minded company is rapidly slipping away from them."
In an interview with The Seattle Times on Monday, Mr. Gates, who rarely grants interviews and declined through a spokesman Tuesday to grant one to The New York Times, indicated that he was surprised by the backlash to the company's turnaround on the legislation. He also suggested that Microsoft, which had been known for decades as a corporate leader on gay rights and had supported the bill in previous years, might change course next year because of the controversy.
National and state gay rights groups continued to put pressure on Microsoft. One group, Equal Rights Washington, e-mailed Mr. Gates and Mr. Ballmer on Tuesday, requesting a meeting and demanding that the company fire Mr. Reed. The group said it had received no response as of Tuesday evening.
"We're dismayed to know that Ralph Reed is on the payroll of Microsoft," said Dan Kully, a spokesman for Equal Rights Washington. "In our opinion, Microsoft's reputation as a fair-minded company is rapidly slipping away from them."
Seattle Times: Deliver us from bullies
A purported man of God threatened to advise his congregation to boycott Microsoft products unless the company pulled its support of an anti-discrimination bill that would include gays and lesbians.
And it worked. Pastor Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church got what he wanted. The bully made people cry.
Lawmakers stood weeping on the Senate floor Thursday as House Bill 1515 was defeated by a single vote.
Now we know the true meaning of being a "blue" state. It is against the law here to discriminate against people based on their age, race or religion. But if they're gay or lesbian, well, it's open season.
And it worked. Pastor Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church got what he wanted. The bully made people cry.
Lawmakers stood weeping on the Senate floor Thursday as House Bill 1515 was defeated by a single vote.
Now we know the true meaning of being a "blue" state. It is against the law here to discriminate against people based on their age, race or religion. But if they're gay or lesbian, well, it's open season.
Seattle Times: Microsoft may rethink position on gay-rights bill
Microsoft may re-evaluate whether to support state legislation that would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians, Chairman Bill Gates said yesterday.
Gates said Microsoft was surprised by the sharp reaction after it became known that the company took a neutral position on the perennial measure this year, after actively supporting it in previous years.
"Next time this one comes around, we'll see," he said. "We certainly have a lot of employees who sent us mail. Next time it comes around that'll be a major factor for us to take into consideration."
Gates said Microsoft was surprised by the sharp reaction after it became known that the company took a neutral position on the perennial measure this year, after actively supporting it in previous years.
"Next time this one comes around, we'll see," he said. "We certainly have a lot of employees who sent us mail. Next time it comes around that'll be a major factor for us to take into consideration."
CNET: Microsoft draws new fire for lobbyist ties
Microsoft came under renewed criticism from gay- and lesbian-rights groups on Tuesday after an online report indicated that the company is using former Christian Coalition chief Ralph Reed's lobbying firm.
Gay and lesbian groups have historically been well-disposed toward the company, which offers domestic partner benefits and has included sexual orientation in its own antidiscrimination policies. But those groups are now calling for Microsoft to sever its connection to Reed's Century Strategies firm and to hold talks with them on rights issues.
"We're just dismayed that as an agent of Microsoft, (Reed) might have played a role in the defeat of equal rights for all Washingtonians," said George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, a Seattle-based gay- and lesbian-rights group. Cheung's group has invited the company's top executives to a town hall meeting this Friday to discuss the company's future activities.
Gay and lesbian groups have historically been well-disposed toward the company, which offers domestic partner benefits and has included sexual orientation in its own antidiscrimination policies. But those groups are now calling for Microsoft to sever its connection to Reed's Century Strategies firm and to hold talks with them on rights issues.
"We're just dismayed that as an agent of Microsoft, (Reed) might have played a role in the defeat of equal rights for all Washingtonians," said George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, a Seattle-based gay- and lesbian-rights group. Cheung's group has invited the company's top executives to a town hall meeting this Friday to discuss the company's future activities.
P-I: Microsoft retreating in fear of red state retribution
April 25, 2005
Shall we call it Micro-too-soft?
Faced with a decision of conscience on whether to back a state bill to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination, the software giant decided to take the "neutral" position.
That's Microsoft code for what you and I might call "chickening out."
For a company that presents itself as cutting-edge and forward-thinking, such a move seems backward. And for a company recognized as a corporate leader for its treatment of gay employees, such inaction seems hypocritical, too.
Faced with a decision of conscience on whether to back a state bill to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination, the software giant decided to take the "neutral" position.
That's Microsoft code for what you and I might call "chickening out."
For a company that presents itself as cutting-edge and forward-thinking, such a move seems backward. And for a company recognized as a corporate leader for its treatment of gay employees, such inaction seems hypocritical, too.
Seattle P-I: Gay rights group asks Microsoft to return award
April 23, 2005
Ken Hutcherson, pastor at Antioch Bible Church, met with Microsoft in February, threatening to launch a national boycott of its products if it didn't come out against the bill, according to a Thursday story in the Seattle weekly The Stranger.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse insisted the company's decision to remain neutral came before the legislative session began in January. "(Hutcherson) urged us to change our position from neutral to negative, but we declined," Begasse said.
In a story published yesterday, The New York Times reported that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ed Murray, said Microsoft's top lawyer told him last month that the company was feeling pressure from Hutcherson and was concerned how its Christian employees might react if it supported the bill. Messages left with Hutcherson and Murray were not returned yesterday.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse insisted the company's decision to remain neutral came before the legislative session began in January. "(Hutcherson) urged us to change our position from neutral to negative, but we declined," Begasse said.
In a story published yesterday, The New York Times reported that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ed Murray, said Microsoft's top lawyer told him last month that the company was feeling pressure from Hutcherson and was concerned how its Christian employees might react if it supported the bill. Messages left with Hutcherson and Murray were not returned yesterday.
Seattle Times: Gay group wants award back from Microsoft
The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center asked Microsoft yesterday to return an award it gave the company in 2001, saying the company is no longer worthy of its highest corporate honor. The center had given Microsoft its "corporate vision award," which it bestows on one company every year.
Also yesterday, national lobbying group Human Rights Campaign sent a letter to Microsoft expressing disappointment with the company.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse said the company had no comment on whether it would return the Los Angeles center's award.
Also yesterday, national lobbying group Human Rights Campaign sent a letter to Microsoft expressing disappointment with the company.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse said the company had no comment on whether it would return the Los Angeles center's award.
Seattle Gay News: Two Democrats join Republican bloc to defeat Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination Bill
April 22, 2005
The Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination Bill (House Bill 1515) failed by one vote in the State Senate on Thursday. Every Senate Republican voted against it, joined by two Democrats: Sens. James Hargrove and Tim Sheldon. The 24-25 vote was mostly along party lines, but two Democrats joined Republicans to defeat the measure. The voice roll call marked the first time the state Senate had taken a vote on the final passage of the bill.
The legislation, which has languished in Olympia for nearly 30 years, would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, insurance and commercial transactions. Sixteen states, Seattle, King County and seven other municipalities in Washington State already prohibit such discrimination.
The measure is named after the late Sen. Cal Anderson, Washington’s fist openly Gay legislator. Anderson created and championed the bill until his death from complications related to AIDS in 1994.. Rep. Ed Murray (D-43) has introduced the bill every year since then. Last year, the bill passed out of the House, but Republican leaders in the Senate essentially killed the bill by adjourning the session early rather than allow a vote on the legislation.
The legislation, which has languished in Olympia for nearly 30 years, would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, insurance and commercial transactions. Sixteen states, Seattle, King County and seven other municipalities in Washington State already prohibit such discrimination.
The measure is named after the late Sen. Cal Anderson, Washington’s fist openly Gay legislator. Anderson created and championed the bill until his death from complications related to AIDS in 1994.. Rep. Ed Murray (D-43) has introduced the bill every year since then. Last year, the bill passed out of the House, but Republican leaders in the Senate essentially killed the bill by adjourning the session early rather than allow a vote on the legislation.
Seattle Times: [story detail] Governor's meeting (with Archbishop)
Gov. Christine Gregoire said she had met with Archbishop Alex Brunett and believed she had allayed his concerns that such legislation would open the doors to gay marriage, as he believed it had in the state Supreme Court in Massachusetts.
"They're neutral. That's what the archbishop told me," Gregoire said. "He told me if I could say to him that that Massachusetts case was not based on what he'd been told, then their position was they were neutral."
Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, who is Catholic, said she agreed to support the bill after Gregoire informed her the local archbishop would remain neutral.
But the archbishop said yesterday, through spokesman Greg Magnoni, that he never said he was neutral and, in fact, that he opposes the bill.
All three of the state's bishops oppose the bill, said Sister Sharon Park, executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm for the state's three dioceses. They oppose discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, but fear that the bill would have created a protected class of citizens that would make it easier for the court to allow gay marriage.
She said she thinks the confusion may have arisen because the Catholic Conference was trying to see if it could get anti-discrimination measures into other pieces of legislation without creating a protected class.
"They're neutral. That's what the archbishop told me," Gregoire said. "He told me if I could say to him that that Massachusetts case was not based on what he'd been told, then their position was they were neutral."
Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, who is Catholic, said she agreed to support the bill after Gregoire informed her the local archbishop would remain neutral.
But the archbishop said yesterday, through spokesman Greg Magnoni, that he never said he was neutral and, in fact, that he opposes the bill.
All three of the state's bishops oppose the bill, said Sister Sharon Park, executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm for the state's three dioceses. They oppose discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, but fear that the bill would have created a protected class of citizens that would make it easier for the court to allow gay marriage.
She said she thinks the confusion may have arisen because the Catholic Conference was trying to see if it could get anti-discrimination measures into other pieces of legislation without creating a protected class.
Seattle Times: Controversy sparked on Microsoft's stance on gay-rights bill
Even as the bill banning discrimination against gays and lesbians failed by a single vote in the state Senate yesterday, a sideshow was springing up around Microsoft's withdrawal of support for the measure.
Word spread quickly around the Capitol about a story in the local alternative newsweekly The Stranger, which said the software giant was withdrawing its support for House Bill 1515 because of pressure from Ken Hutcherson, pastor of Redmond's 3,500-member Antioch Bible Church.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse denied the report, saying "people are misunderstanding and misrepresenting the meeting with Hutcherson."
Word spread quickly around the Capitol about a story in the local alternative newsweekly The Stranger, which said the software giant was withdrawing its support for House Bill 1515 because of pressure from Ken Hutcherson, pastor of Redmond's 3,500-member Antioch Bible Church.
Microsoft spokeswoman Tami Begasse denied the report, saying "people are misunderstanding and misrepresenting the meeting with Hutcherson."
MSNBC: Microsoft rejects charges it caved on gay rights
Microsoft Corp. denied Friday that it had succumbed to pressure from a prominent evangelical minister in deciding not to lobby for a bill that would have broadened Washington state protections against discrimination to include gay men and lesbians.
The Stranger, an alternative weekly newspaper in Seattle, and The New York Times reported that Microsoft withdrew its support for the bill, which failed Thursday by one vote in the state Senate, after the Rev. Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond threatened in two recent meetings with Microsoft officials to engineer a national boycott of the software company’s products because of its past support for the measure.
The reports created an uproar among advocates for gay and lesbian rights and in the blogosphere, where Microsoft was portrayed as having abandoned its gay and lesbian employees. (MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC News.)
The Stranger, an alternative weekly newspaper in Seattle, and The New York Times reported that Microsoft withdrew its support for the bill, which failed Thursday by one vote in the state Senate, after the Rev. Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond threatened in two recent meetings with Microsoft officials to engineer a national boycott of the software company’s products because of its past support for the measure.
The reports created an uproar among advocates for gay and lesbian rights and in the blogosphere, where Microsoft was portrayed as having abandoned its gay and lesbian employees. (MSNBC is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC News.)
Tacoma News Tribune: Microsoft backs off gay-rights support
The Microsoft Corp., at the forefront of corporate gay rights for decades, came under fire from gay-rights groups, politicians and its own employees on Thursday after it withdrew its support for a state bill that would have barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Many of the critics accused the company of bowing to pressure from a prominent evangelical church in Redmond.
Gay rights advocates denounced Microsoft, which supported the bill in previous years, for abandoning their cause. Web logs and chat rooms Thursday were buzzing with accusations that the company had caved to the Christian right, and that it had betrayed its many gay employees.
“Apparently Microsoft’s new motto is, ‘It’s your potential, our passion — as long as you’re not gay or lesbian,’” said Ken Kully, a board member of Equal Rights Washington, a gay rights group that lobbied on behalf of the failed bill, referring to the Microsoft’s latest advertising slogan.
Many of the critics accused the company of bowing to pressure from a prominent evangelical church in Redmond.
Gay rights advocates denounced Microsoft, which supported the bill in previous years, for abandoning their cause. Web logs and chat rooms Thursday were buzzing with accusations that the company had caved to the Christian right, and that it had betrayed its many gay employees.
“Apparently Microsoft’s new motto is, ‘It’s your potential, our passion — as long as you’re not gay or lesbian,’” said Ken Kully, a board member of Equal Rights Washington, a gay rights group that lobbied on behalf of the failed bill, referring to the Microsoft’s latest advertising slogan.
KOMO TV: Ken Schram Commentary: Using Religion Like A Noose
Who would use religion like a noose?
Who would transform piety and faith into an ugly weapon that could be used to choke off the breath of justice and civil rights?
I'll tell you who: 23 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
You'll find these 25 sanctimonious hypocrites in the State Senate, where they're willing to keep discrimination alive so long as the target is the dreaded homosexual.
Who would transform piety and faith into an ugly weapon that could be used to choke off the breath of justice and civil rights?
I'll tell you who: 23 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
You'll find these 25 sanctimonious hypocrites in the State Senate, where they're willing to keep discrimination alive so long as the target is the dreaded homosexual.
Seattle Times: Gay-rights bill falls 1 vote short of becoming state law
Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the gay lawmaker who has been sponsoring the bill for a decade, predicted his side would prevail in the long run.
"We didn't win today, but we will be back and we will win," he said, choking with emotion.
Equal Rights Washington, a group that lobbied in favor of the bill, said it plans to run radio and television ads as soon as next week attacking Republican Minority Leader Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, for voting against the measure.
"We want to make sure [voters] know Bill Finkbeiner voted against House Bill 1515 and for discrimination," said George Cheung, executive director of the group.
"We didn't win today, but we will be back and we will win," he said, choking with emotion.
Equal Rights Washington, a group that lobbied in favor of the bill, said it plans to run radio and television ads as soon as next week attacking Republican Minority Leader Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, for voting against the measure.
"We want to make sure [voters] know Bill Finkbeiner voted against House Bill 1515 and for discrimination," said George Cheung, executive director of the group.
Planet Out: Gay rights bill fails after Microsoft bails
April 21, 2005
In a surprise vote Thursday, the Washington state Senate rejected a bill to add sexual orientation to the state's anti-discrimination law.
"The Washington Senate struck a blow against fairness today," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay lobby group. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Washingtonians deserve equal protection under the law."
George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, was a bit more sanguine. "Polls clearly show that the people of Washington State overwhelmingly support equal rights for gays and lesbians," he said. "The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill. Unfortunately, the Senate let party politics interfere with its duty to protect Washington residents."
"The Washington Senate struck a blow against fairness today," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay lobby group. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Washingtonians deserve equal protection under the law."
George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, was a bit more sanguine. "Polls clearly show that the people of Washington State overwhelmingly support equal rights for gays and lesbians," he said. "The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill. Unfortunately, the Senate let party politics interfere with its duty to protect Washington residents."
New York Times: Microsoft Comes Under Fire for Reversal on Gay Rights Bill
The Microsoft Corporation, at the forefront of corporate gay rights for decades, came under fire from gay rights groups, politicians and its own employees on Thursday after it withdrew its support for a state bill that would have barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Many of the critics accused the company of bowing to pressure from a prominent evangelical church in Redmond, Wash., located a few blocks from Microsoft's sprawling headquarters.
The bill, or similar versions of it, had been voted down here over three decades; it failed by one vote Thursday in the State Senate. Gay rights advocates denounced Microsoft, which supported the bill in previous years, for abandoning their cause. Blogs and online chat rooms were buzzing on Thursday with accusations that the company had caved to the Christian right, and that it had betrayed its many gay employees.
"Apparently Microsoft's new motto is, 'It's your potential, our passion - as long as you're not gay or lesbian,' " said [Dan] Kully, a board member of Equal Rights Washington, a gay rights group that lobbied on behalf of the failed bill, referring to the Microsoft's latest advertising slogan.
Many of the critics accused the company of bowing to pressure from a prominent evangelical church in Redmond, Wash., located a few blocks from Microsoft's sprawling headquarters.
The bill, or similar versions of it, had been voted down here over three decades; it failed by one vote Thursday in the State Senate. Gay rights advocates denounced Microsoft, which supported the bill in previous years, for abandoning their cause. Blogs and online chat rooms were buzzing on Thursday with accusations that the company had caved to the Christian right, and that it had betrayed its many gay employees.
"Apparently Microsoft's new motto is, 'It's your potential, our passion - as long as you're not gay or lesbian,' " said [Dan] Kully, a board member of Equal Rights Washington, a gay rights group that lobbied on behalf of the failed bill, referring to the Microsoft's latest advertising slogan.
Advocate: Washington State rejects gay rights bill
The Washington State senate on Thursday rejected the gay civil rights bill by one vote, 25-24.
The legislation--a longtime goal of the state's politically active gay community--appeared dead earlier this month when a senate majority sent it to the judiciary committee, where it was bottled up as a key deadline came and went. On Thursday, the senate narrowly approved a procedural move by Democrats to exempt the measure from the cutoff and allow it to come up for a vote. Senators also voted to pull the bill, House Bill 1515, from the judiciary committee so it could be debated by the full senate.
Senators on both sides of the aisle spoke passionately about the bill, which would have protected gay and lesbian citizens in housing, employment, and public accommodation.
The legislation--a longtime goal of the state's politically active gay community--appeared dead earlier this month when a senate majority sent it to the judiciary committee, where it was bottled up as a key deadline came and went. On Thursday, the senate narrowly approved a procedural move by Democrats to exempt the measure from the cutoff and allow it to come up for a vote. Senators also voted to pull the bill, House Bill 1515, from the judiciary committee so it could be debated by the full senate.
Senators on both sides of the aisle spoke passionately about the bill, which would have protected gay and lesbian citizens in housing, employment, and public accommodation.
P-I: Washington Senate rejects gay civil rights bill
Gay rights activists watched tearfully from the sidelines on Thursday as the state Senate rejected a bill banning discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and insurance.
The bill, versions of which have been introduced in the Legislature for the past 30 years, failed by one vote.
"The Senate Republicans chose to stand on the steps of Justice and to block entry for gay and lesbian citizens of Washington state," said Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the bill's sponsor and one of four openly gay legislators. "We have exposed bigotry and prejudice. ... We didn't win today, but we will win."
The bill, versions of which have been introduced in the Legislature for the past 30 years, failed by one vote.
"The Senate Republicans chose to stand on the steps of Justice and to block entry for gay and lesbian citizens of Washington state," said Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the bill's sponsor and one of four openly gay legislators. "We have exposed bigotry and prejudice. ... We didn't win today, but we will win."
The Stranger: MICROSOFT CAVES ON GAY RIGHTS
Pressured by Evangelical Minister, Microsoft Withdraws Support for Civil Rights Bill
In a move that angered many of the company's gay employees, the Microsoft Corporation, publicly perceived as the vanguard institution of the new economy, has taken a major political stand in favor of age-old discrimination.
The Stranger has learned that last month the $37-billion Redmond-based software behemoth quietly withdrew its support for House bill 1515, the anti-gay-discrimination bill currently under consideration by the Washington State legislature, after being pressured by the Evangelical Christian pastor of a suburban megachurch. The pastor, Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, met with a senior Microsoft executive in February and threatened to organize a national boycott of the company's products if it did not change its stance on the legislation, according to gay rights activists and a Microsoft employee who attended a subsequent April 4 meeting where Bradford L. Smith, Microsoft's senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, told a group of gay staffers about Hutcherson's threat. Hutcherson also unsuccessfully demanded that the company fire two employees who had testified in favor of the bill.
In a move that angered many of the company's gay employees, the Microsoft Corporation, publicly perceived as the vanguard institution of the new economy, has taken a major political stand in favor of age-old discrimination.
The Stranger has learned that last month the $37-billion Redmond-based software behemoth quietly withdrew its support for House bill 1515, the anti-gay-discrimination bill currently under consideration by the Washington State legislature, after being pressured by the Evangelical Christian pastor of a suburban megachurch. The pastor, Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, met with a senior Microsoft executive in February and threatened to organize a national boycott of the company's products if it did not change its stance on the legislation, according to gay rights activists and a Microsoft employee who attended a subsequent April 4 meeting where Bradford L. Smith, Microsoft's senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, told a group of gay staffers about Hutcherson's threat. Hutcherson also unsuccessfully demanded that the company fire two employees who had testified in favor of the bill.
Bellingham Herald: Birch Bay couple unruffled by ruling
April 15, 2005
Though the Oregon Supreme Court has struck down her marriage to another woman, Birch Bay resident Robynne Sapp said she's not taking off her wedding ring.
"That's pretty amazing, when somebody can annul your marriage without (your) consent," said Sapp, who married her partner Dotti Berry on March 7, 2004, while Multnomah County, Ore., officials were issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The Oregon Supreme Court nullified that license Thursday, and those of 3,000 other couples, saying the county had overstepped its authority.
"That's pretty amazing, when somebody can annul your marriage without (your) consent," said Sapp, who married her partner Dotti Berry on March 7, 2004, while Multnomah County, Ore., officials were issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The Oregon Supreme Court nullified that license Thursday, and those of 3,000 other couples, saying the county had overstepped its authority.
The Stranger: REPUBLICAN FINK
April 14, 2005
Bill Finkbeiner, the Kirkland- Redmond area legislator who serves as minority leader in the Washington State Senate, is not your typical Bush-era Republican. Yes, like Bush, he's a fairly standard-issue GOP pol in his pro-business, anti-tax, corporate-class worldview. But he breaks ranks with his conservative 23-member senate Republican caucus on other matters: Openly pro-choice, he's a self-proclaimed "social moderate" who was first elected to the legislature as a Democrat, and he continues to be well liked by many colleagues across the aisle.
He even maintains the closest of ties to liberals. His wife, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, is a former environmental lobbyist who recently authored a book on reinvigorating the feminist movement. In short, he's the kind of politician who embodies the supposed new wave of the state Republican Party: youthful (he's in his mid-30s), dynamic, smooth, broad-minded, and even vaguely hip in a safely suburban sort of way.
All of which explains why Finkbeiner found himself in a no-win situation with respect to House Bill 1515, the gay anti-discrimination bill. If he voted his conscience, he would have alienated his anti-gay caucus and quite possibly lost his leadership post. If he voted against the bill, however, he ran the risk of alienating his moderate-to-liberal district (and subverting his all-important New Republican image, which has some fans clamoring for him to run for higher office).
He even maintains the closest of ties to liberals. His wife, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, is a former environmental lobbyist who recently authored a book on reinvigorating the feminist movement. In short, he's the kind of politician who embodies the supposed new wave of the state Republican Party: youthful (he's in his mid-30s), dynamic, smooth, broad-minded, and even vaguely hip in a safely suburban sort of way.
All of which explains why Finkbeiner found himself in a no-win situation with respect to House Bill 1515, the gay anti-discrimination bill. If he voted his conscience, he would have alienated his anti-gay caucus and quite possibly lost his leadership post. If he voted against the bill, however, he ran the risk of alienating his moderate-to-liberal district (and subverting his all-important New Republican image, which has some fans clamoring for him to run for higher office).
P-I: Sen. Dale Brandland upset about citizen phone calls, storms off Senate floor
April 13, 2005
State Sen. Dale Brandland stormed off the Senate floor Wednesday after expressing anger over hostile phone calls and e-mails he said his staff has received in recent days.
Brandland, R-Bellingham, said an anonymous call accusing him of having an affair with another senator was "the straw that broke the camel's back."
He returned to the Senate floor on Wednesday afternoon, and later told The Associated Press that it wasn't any one issue that set him off. He said his office has been getting calls from people angry about the gas tax and a gay civil rights bill, in addition to the stem cell issue.
Brandland, R-Bellingham, said an anonymous call accusing him of having an affair with another senator was "the straw that broke the camel's back."
He returned to the Senate floor on Wednesday afternoon, and later told The Associated Press that it wasn't any one issue that set him off. He said his office has been getting calls from people angry about the gas tax and a gay civil rights bill, in addition to the stem cell issue.
P-I: Teen shows wisdom that elders lack
You have to stand up -- that's what Trevor Gilmore believes.
The kid is only a senior in high school, but his simple words of wisdom speak to anyone who ever wanted to do the right thing in the face of adversity or fear.
Trevor comes to mind after the state Legislature recently flubbed a bill to protect gays and lesbians from acts of ignorance or hate. Too many people in power, I wrote in a column, sat on their hands as the bid to kill the bill took place.
Perhaps the young Trevors of the world can inspire adults in high places by reminding them of what a profile in courage looks like.
Last year a classmate approached Trevor at A.C. Davis High School in Yakima about starting a Gay-Straight Alliance.
The kid is only a senior in high school, but his simple words of wisdom speak to anyone who ever wanted to do the right thing in the face of adversity or fear.
Trevor comes to mind after the state Legislature recently flubbed a bill to protect gays and lesbians from acts of ignorance or hate. Too many people in power, I wrote in a column, sat on their hands as the bid to kill the bill took place.
Perhaps the young Trevors of the world can inspire adults in high places by reminding them of what a profile in courage looks like.
Last year a classmate approached Trevor at A.C. Davis High School in Yakima about starting a Gay-Straight Alliance.
Seattle Times: Married gays feel boxed out by IRS forms
Last year, Heather and Barbara Rhoads-Weaver, who were married in Canada in August 2003, ended up paying 10 percent more in taxes by filing individually than they would have if they'd been allowed to file as a married couple.
With their taxes, they submitted an informational packet to the IRS that contained the joint return their accountant had prepared for them. They explained to the IRS they were married in Canada and hinted at a refund for the difference.
This year, with their employment circumstances different, filing singly is cheaper. But the Vashon Island couple plans to donate the difference to Equal Rights Washington, which is pushing for passage of gay civil-rights legislation in Olympia.
With their taxes, they submitted an informational packet to the IRS that contained the joint return their accountant had prepared for them. They explained to the IRS they were married in Canada and hinted at a refund for the difference.
This year, with their employment circumstances different, filing singly is cheaper. But the Vashon Island couple plans to donate the difference to Equal Rights Washington, which is pushing for passage of gay civil-rights legislation in Olympia.
Western Front (WWU): Western students silently protest discrimination
April 12, 2005
Western may be a quieter campus Wednesday as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their allies take part in the Day of Silence.
The Day of Silence is a student-led project that the National Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network started to increase the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Participants will refrain from speaking during the day to protest the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students that comes from discrimination and harassment, said Stuart Brewster, Western's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Allianc program coordinator.
The Day of Silence is a student-led project that the National Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network started to increase the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Participants will refrain from speaking during the day to protest the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students that comes from discrimination and harassment, said Stuart Brewster, Western's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Allianc program coordinator.
P-I: Who will stand up for gay rights? Anyone?
April 11, 2005
Someone has to stand up for a gay civil rights bill in Washington.
Who better to fill that role than the Democrats -- the party of the people, the party of social conscience?
In fall 2003, the party leadership went before a Seattle gathering of gays and lesbians at "Fighting for the Majority," a fund-raiser to benefit Democrats in the state House and Senate.
Who better to fill that role than the Democrats -- the party of the people, the party of social conscience?
In fall 2003, the party leadership went before a Seattle gathering of gays and lesbians at "Fighting for the Majority," a fund-raiser to benefit Democrats in the state House and Senate.
Peni nsula Daily News: Hargrove defends anti gay rights bill vote
Hargrove also sits on that committee and said he will side with Republicans to prevent the bill from returning to the Senate floor for a vote.
``I was keeping my word over 20 years on that issue. I would have been breaking my word to those I've talked to,'' he said.
``I don't see how I could take another position. If people are unhappy with that, then their solution is at ballot box.''
``I was keeping my word over 20 years on that issue. I would have been breaking my word to those I've talked to,'' he said.
``I don't see how I could take another position. If people are unhappy with that, then their solution is at ballot box.''
P-I: Group runs TV ads urging passage of gay rights bill
Hoping to revive a gay rights bill in the state Senate, a group called Equal Rights Washington has purchased television ads urging legislators to pass the bill.
House Bill 1515 would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, insurance and jobs. It's been introduced, and has failed, for 30 years in the state Legislature. The House passed it this year, but it's stuck in a Senate committee.
The legislative session is scheduled to end April 24.
Starting Tuesday, the ads will run on cable television in the districts of Sen. Tom Sheldon, D-Potlatch, and Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Mill Creek, who voted recently to send the bill back to committee.
House Bill 1515 would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, insurance and jobs. It's been introduced, and has failed, for 30 years in the state Legislature. The House passed it this year, but it's stuck in a Senate committee.
The legislative session is scheduled to end April 24.
Starting Tuesday, the ads will run on cable television in the districts of Sen. Tom Sheldon, D-Potlatch, and Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Mill Creek, who voted recently to send the bill back to committee.
SGN: Two Democrats deliver serious blow to Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination Bill
April 8, 2005
Up until this week, hopes remained high that this would be the year the Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination Bill (HB 1515) would become law. The bill passed through the House in February and had a hugely successful hearing in the Senate last month such that everyone from state politicians to your average queer on the street was eager to see this bill finally pass on to Gov. Gregoire’s desk for her promised signature.
All the ducks were in a row, the hard work had been done, and the 30 years of lobbying looked like it was about to pay off.
Then, out of “right” field came a dirty trick this week - two Senate Democrats - Jim Hargrove (D-24-Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties) and Tim Sheldon (D-35-Mason and portions of Grays Harbor, Kitsap and Thurston Counties) - sided with Republicans and voted to send the bill to yet another committee, one hostile to the bill. All obvious signs now point to its demise as the bill stands little chance of returning to the floor of the Senate for a vote. However, the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Ed. Murray, says he is not down for the count and maintains full confidence that the bill will recover from this latest sucker punch.
All the ducks were in a row, the hard work had been done, and the 30 years of lobbying looked like it was about to pay off.
Then, out of “right” field came a dirty trick this week - two Senate Democrats - Jim Hargrove (D-24-Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties) and Tim Sheldon (D-35-Mason and portions of Grays Harbor, Kitsap and Thurston Counties) - sided with Republicans and voted to send the bill to yet another committee, one hostile to the bill. All obvious signs now point to its demise as the bill stands little chance of returning to the floor of the Senate for a vote. However, the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Ed. Murray, says he is not down for the count and maintains full confidence that the bill will recover from this latest sucker punch.
KOMO TV: Discrimination Still Reigns Supreme
It was a purely spiteful act.
Republicans in the State Senate pulled a fast one and managed to bury a civil rights measure because it would've protected gays and lesbians.
Lord only knows, those damn homosexuals deserve to be discriminated against when they're out there trying to find a place to live, going for a job, or hoping for a promotion.
Of course, the noble folks in the State Senate would never say anything like that out loud.
No, they'd rather hide behind pithy little political comments about parliamentary procedure and such, barely able to keep the snide tone out of their voice.
Republicans in the State Senate pulled a fast one and managed to bury a civil rights measure because it would've protected gays and lesbians.
Lord only knows, those damn homosexuals deserve to be discriminated against when they're out there trying to find a place to live, going for a job, or hoping for a promotion.
Of course, the noble folks in the State Senate would never say anything like that out loud.
No, they'd rather hide behind pithy little political comments about parliamentary procedure and such, barely able to keep the snide tone out of their voice.
The Stranger: Micah Painter's Assailants Found Guilty of Hate Crime but Get Lesser Assault Convictions
April 7, 2005
Micah Painter wasn't in court last week when the three young immigrants who gay-bashed him were found guilty of a hate crime and led away in handcuffs. Painter had certainly thought about showing up. He wondered if he might find some satisfaction witnessing the legal end-point to the long, public ordeal that began for him last summer on Gay Pride weekend when he was repeatedly stabbed with a broken vodka bottle and brutally beaten after admitting his sexuality. But then he had second thoughts.
Painter had heard about the crowds of people who were traveling down from Bellingham each day to watch the trial, the Russian and Ukrainian supporters of his three Evangelical attackers. The crowds scared Painter. He feared his presence at the moment of judgment might kindle in the attackers' compatriots a desire for revenge.
Painter had heard about the crowds of people who were traveling down from Bellingham each day to watch the trial, the Russian and Ukrainian supporters of his three Evangelical attackers. The crowds scared Painter. He feared his presence at the moment of judgment might kindle in the attackers' compatriots a desire for revenge.
P-I: Senate thwarts gay-rights bill
April 6, 2005
Discrimination on the basis of gender, race or religion has long been illegal in Washington state -- but for gay people, the wait for equal protection continues.
Senate Republicans thwarted civil rights legislation for gays and lesbians yesterday by sending the bill back to a committee where it is likely to die without forcing them to take a potentially damaging opposition vote. The House passed the bill in February on a 61-37 vote.
Though Democrats said the bill was not dead and vowed to revive it, the move was a major setback for the effort to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation
Senate Republicans thwarted civil rights legislation for gays and lesbians yesterday by sending the bill back to a committee where it is likely to die without forcing them to take a potentially damaging opposition vote. The House passed the bill in February on a 61-37 vote.
Though Democrats said the bill was not dead and vowed to revive it, the move was a major setback for the effort to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation
Seattle Times: 2 Democrats help Senate GOP throw gay-rights bill off track
An attempt to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians suffered a serious setback yesterday when state Senate Republicans used a procedural move to send the bill to a committee where opponents appear to have the votes to defeat it.
Democrats hold a narrow majority in the Senate, but Republicans enlisted the aid of two conservative Democrats to send House Bill 1515 to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Democratic Sens. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch, Mason County, sided with the GOP in the 25-24 vote. Hargrove also sits on the Judiciary Committee and said he would side with Republicans there as well, giving the GOP the votes to prevent the bill from returning to the Senate floor.
Democrats hold a narrow majority in the Senate, but Republicans enlisted the aid of two conservative Democrats to send House Bill 1515 to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Democratic Sens. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch, Mason County, sided with the GOP in the 25-24 vote. Hargrove also sits on the Judiciary Committee and said he would side with Republicans there as well, giving the GOP the votes to prevent the bill from returning to the Senate floor.
KUOW: Weekday: Safety on Capitol Hill
April 5, 2005
Last June, three men from rural Washington jumped out of a pickup truck and, with a broken vodka bottle, attacked a gay man in Capitol Hill. Last Thursday, all three of the attackers were found guilty of a hate crime. Gay leaders hope the verdict might give momentum to a gay-rights bill, House Bill 1515, before the state Senate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Murray, would outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. (various versions of this bill have been before the Legislature for nearly 30 years). Supporters of the bill include Equal Rights Washington, a group advocating equal treatment for gays. Opponents include the Christian Coalition of Washington State and Washington Evangelicals for Responsible Government.
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UW Daily: Editorial: Moving bill to Judiciary isn't justice
Twenty years of hard work comes down to one state senator opting to do the right thing.
Yesterday, in a shocking maneuver, the state Senate minority managed to rope in enough support to pull a gay-rights bill from its final leg of the committee process and place it back on the floor for committee reassignment.
The bill was reassigned to the Judiciary Committee, dominated by conservative members who will likely kill it.
But that doesn't matter anyway, seeing as the cut-off date for getting bills out of that committee came and went last week.
Yesterday, in a shocking maneuver, the state Senate minority managed to rope in enough support to pull a gay-rights bill from its final leg of the committee process and place it back on the floor for committee reassignment.
The bill was reassigned to the Judiciary Committee, dominated by conservative members who will likely kill it.
But that doesn't matter anyway, seeing as the cut-off date for getting bills out of that committee came and went last week.
P-I: Gay civil rights bill derailed in Washington Senate
Two conservative Democrats helped Senate Republicans derail the latest attempt by the Legislature to pass a gay civil rights bill, sending it to a hostile committee where it is likely to die.
The Senate's procedural move took majority Democrats by surprise, coming during floor action Tuesday on noncontroversial bills. The Democrats hold a 26-23 advantage, but the move succeeded when conservative Democrats Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch joined Republicans in shunting the bill off to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The critics argued that the bill should never have been routed through the Senate Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection Committee, which approved the bill last month.
The Senate's procedural move took majority Democrats by surprise, coming during floor action Tuesday on noncontroversial bills. The Democrats hold a 26-23 advantage, but the move succeeded when conservative Democrats Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch joined Republicans in shunting the bill off to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The critics argued that the bill should never have been routed through the Senate Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection Committee, which approved the bill last month.
Longview News: Washington eases difficult end-of-life decision-making
April 4, 2005
Another complication is that Washington law doesn’t recognize gay marriages and, therefore, gay partners as spouses.
No matter how long a couple has been together, a gay partner would be cut out of the decision-making loop under state law, said Jeff Crollard, an attorney for the Washington State long-term care ombudsman program. It advocates for nursing home, assisted-living center and other long-term care patients.
No matter how long a couple has been together, a gay partner would be cut out of the decision-making loop under state law, said Jeff Crollard, an attorney for the Washington State long-term care ombudsman program. It advocates for nursing home, assisted-living center and other long-term care patients.
SGN: The verdict is in: All three assailants found guilty in attack on Micah Painter
April 1, 2005
The three men accused of slashing 24-year-old Seattle resident Micah Painter with a broken Vodka bottle last summer were found guilty on Wednesday of malicious harassment and assault with a deadly weapon.
Prosecutors sought first degree assault convictions against the three men but failed to convince all of the jurors that first degree charges were warranted. Vadim Samusenko, 21, the primary assailant who had gotten out of his truck that night, smashed a Vodka bottle against a brick wall then used it on Painter, was found guilty of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. Samusenko’s two friends, who seconds later jumped out of the truck to join in the attack, David Kravchenko, 20, and Yevgeniy Savchak, 18, were found guilty of assault in the fourth degree with a deadly weapon enhancement.
A spokesperson for the King County Prosecutor’s Office told the Seattle Gay News that Samusenko is likely to serve a total of two-and-a-half to three years in prison. Kravchenko and Savchak are expected to serve less time, approximately nine to 15 months. If the men had been found guilty of all the charges against them, they would have faced 12 to 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors sought first degree assault convictions against the three men but failed to convince all of the jurors that first degree charges were warranted. Vadim Samusenko, 21, the primary assailant who had gotten out of his truck that night, smashed a Vodka bottle against a brick wall then used it on Painter, was found guilty of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. Samusenko’s two friends, who seconds later jumped out of the truck to join in the attack, David Kravchenko, 20, and Yevgeniy Savchak, 18, were found guilty of assault in the fourth degree with a deadly weapon enhancement.
A spokesperson for the King County Prosecutor’s Office told the Seattle Gay News that Samusenko is likely to serve a total of two-and-a-half to three years in prison. Kravchenko and Savchak are expected to serve less time, approximately nine to 15 months. If the men had been found guilty of all the charges against them, they would have faced 12 to 15 years in prison.
