Seattle Times: Some question use of ballot box to settle issues like gay rights
February 27, 2006
The issue seemed ripe for victory.
In 1997, a gay-advocacy group called Hands Off Washington placed on the state ballot an initiative that would have extended workplace protections to gays and lesbians.
It was a calculated risk: When voters are asked to determine rights and protections - whether for immigrants or minorities - they seldom are in a giving mood.
Nonetheless, group members were confident, buoyed by polls showing strong support for workplace protections for gays and emboldened by the failure of opponents the previous year to collect enough signatures to put gay-rights and gay-adoption bans on the ballot.
The gamble proved a disaster. Voters trounced Initiative 677 and sent its backers into oblivion.
Now, almost a decade later, Washington voters likely will be asked again to consider protections based on sexual orientation. A proposed referendum by Tim Eyman would overturn a statewide gay-rights measure passed by lawmakers and signed into law by the governor last month.
In 1997, a gay-advocacy group called Hands Off Washington placed on the state ballot an initiative that would have extended workplace protections to gays and lesbians.
It was a calculated risk: When voters are asked to determine rights and protections - whether for immigrants or minorities - they seldom are in a giving mood.
Nonetheless, group members were confident, buoyed by polls showing strong support for workplace protections for gays and emboldened by the failure of opponents the previous year to collect enough signatures to put gay-rights and gay-adoption bans on the ballot.
The gamble proved a disaster. Voters trounced Initiative 677 and sent its backers into oblivion.
Now, almost a decade later, Washington voters likely will be asked again to consider protections based on sexual orientation. A proposed referendum by Tim Eyman would overturn a statewide gay-rights measure passed by lawmakers and signed into law by the governor last month.
The Columbian: B.G. High changes focus of club
February 26, 2006
In the face of outrage by some adults and students, a proposal to start a Gay-Straight Alliance at Battle Ground High School has been changed.
The students who wanted to start the club and the Associated Student Body representatives have agreed that an "anti-discrimination" club could accomplish the same goals without offending anyone's sensibilities.
The idea of the gay-straight club has been debated in the opinion pages of local newspapers and at school board meetings. The revised plan is expected to be presented to the ASB for a vote this week.
The students who wanted to start the club and the Associated Student Body representatives have agreed that an "anti-discrimination" club could accomplish the same goals without offending anyone's sensibilities.
The idea of the gay-straight club has been debated in the opinion pages of local newspapers and at school board meetings. The revised plan is expected to be presented to the ASB for a vote this week.
Seattle Gay News: Washington Won't Discriminate names new campaign manager
February 24, 2006
Longtime Lesbian activist Lorrie McKay has been tapped to lead the effort to retain Washington's new law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. According to Anne Levinson, Chair of Washington Won't Discriminate, McKay was selected as campaign manager of the organization after a brief, but considered process.
"I'm honored to have been selected, especially considering the field of qualified candidates who threw their hat in the ring, she said. However, I have no illusion of the task before me. I absolutely think our community can meet the challenge. I think that the community as a whole, the Washington State community as a whole, can meet this challenge. This is about discrimination. People don't want to legalize discrimination against their fellow citizens. I absolutely think that our community -- working in concert with the larger community; the larger coalition of progressive groups -- can absolutely defeat this initiative. I look forward to the challenge. "
"I'm honored to have been selected, especially considering the field of qualified candidates who threw their hat in the ring, she said. However, I have no illusion of the task before me. I absolutely think our community can meet the challenge. I think that the community as a whole, the Washington State community as a whole, can meet this challenge. This is about discrimination. People don't want to legalize discrimination against their fellow citizens. I absolutely think that our community -- working in concert with the larger community; the larger coalition of progressive groups -- can absolutely defeat this initiative. I look forward to the challenge. "
Seattle Times: Group to battle Eyman's plan to overturn new gay-rights law
February 18, 2006
Gay-rights activists and supporters have formed a coalition to fight a ballot campaign to overturn a new gay civil-rights law that that bans discrimination in housing, employment and insurance.
Washington Won't Discriminate was formed in response to two ballot measures seeking to challenge the new law, which was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire last month. The group established a Web site this week and organizers said they are starting to mobilize support across the state.
Even before Gregoire signed the bill, initiative promoter Tim Eyman announced he would promote two ballot measures.
Washington Won't Discriminate was formed in response to two ballot measures seeking to challenge the new law, which was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire last month. The group established a Web site this week and organizers said they are starting to mobilize support across the state.
Even before Gregoire signed the bill, initiative promoter Tim Eyman announced he would promote two ballot measures.
Seattle Gay News: Bellevue marriage equality forum draws hundreds
February 17, 2006
Over 200 people packed the Bellevue First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 15th, for a marriage equality forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the American Constitution Society -- Puget Sound Lawyers Chapter, the King County Bar Association, and other ally and LGBT groups.
King County Television recorded it for broadcast both on Comcast Digital Cable Station 22 and for broadcast on TVW. This program, "Marriage Equality: The role of the courts, the legislature, and the people" is expected to available soon on their websites: www.metrokc.gov/CTV and www.tvw.org.
Radio personality Dave Ross moderated the forum, which featured a range of voices on the issue. Our side was extremely well represented by ACLU-WA plaintiff couple Judy Fleissner and Chris Gamache, NW Women's Law Center Executive Director Lisa Stone, and Phil Talmadge who has served both as a justice on the Washington State Supreme Court and as a state senator.
King County Television recorded it for broadcast both on Comcast Digital Cable Station 22 and for broadcast on TVW. This program, "Marriage Equality: The role of the courts, the legislature, and the people" is expected to available soon on their websites: www.metrokc.gov/CTV and www.tvw.org.
Radio personality Dave Ross moderated the forum, which featured a range of voices on the issue. Our side was extremely well represented by ACLU-WA plaintiff couple Judy Fleissner and Chris Gamache, NW Women's Law Center Executive Director Lisa Stone, and Phil Talmadge who has served both as a justice on the Washington State Supreme Court and as a state senator.
Columbian: Opinion - 'Rights' collide easy and often
February 16, 2006
A law just passed by the state Legislature protects people with same-sex preferences from being discriminated against in housing, employment and credit. That's entirely appropriate. But resistance to such a measure in previous years wasn't entirely unreasonable, either.
This year's measure was better than some others. Lawmakers say it makes exceptions for churches and nonprofits that are ideologically opposed to same-gender sexual relationships. That exemption is important: In securing the rights of homosexuals, religious liberties should not be trampled. A church that believes homosexuality, like numerous other actions, is against God's law should not have to hire a person (gay or straight) who believes otherwise.
I support the new anti-bias law, given its exemptions and the dire need for people to be treated with fairness and equity by our government. But I don't think opponents of the bill are the bigoted nuts many have made them out to be.
This year's measure was better than some others. Lawmakers say it makes exceptions for churches and nonprofits that are ideologically opposed to same-gender sexual relationships. That exemption is important: In securing the rights of homosexuals, religious liberties should not be trampled. A church that believes homosexuality, like numerous other actions, is against God's law should not have to hire a person (gay or straight) who believes otherwise.
I support the new anti-bias law, given its exemptions and the dire need for people to be treated with fairness and equity by our government. But I don't think opponents of the bill are the bigoted nuts many have made them out to be.
King County Journal: Bellevue forum airs gay marriage views: Local officer speaks at equality forum in favor of partner benefits
One of three people speaking against same-sex marriage was Jeff Kemp, a former NFL quarterback and president of Families Northwest.
Kemp said while there are other factors that negatively impact the institution of marriage, allowing same-sex couples to marry would be a bad idea.
He called marriage "inherently a male and female bond" and said legislators, not the court, should decide the issue.
"If you move away from the norm it will do a disservice," Kemp said. "We will dishonor masculinity and femininity ... saying 'we can do without a man or a woman.'"
Kemp said while there are other factors that negatively impact the institution of marriage, allowing same-sex couples to marry would be a bad idea.
He called marriage "inherently a male and female bond" and said legislators, not the court, should decide the issue.
"If you move away from the norm it will do a disservice," Kemp said. "We will dishonor masculinity and femininity ... saying 'we can do without a man or a woman.'"
Columbian: Local View: Don't equate gay rights with civil rights
February 15, 2006
On Jan. 30, Tim Eyman filed measures to repeal House Bill 2661, which would add "sexual orientation and gender expression or identity" to existing law banning discrimination in housing, employment and financial matters.
In a Feb. 1 editorial response, "Eyman Branches Out," The Columbian, comparing HB 2661 to civil rights, criticized these efforts saying, "Maybe Washington can become ... a 1950s Mississippi of the north when it comes to minority rights."
Evidence of that condition would include homosexuals' homes and churches bombed; gays routinely brutalized; gay leaders assassinated; officials attacking gays with fire hoses and police dogs; and laws demanding that homosexuals attend separate schools, use separate bathrooms, drink from separate fountains and pass literacy tests to register to vote.
In a Feb. 1 editorial response, "Eyman Branches Out," The Columbian, comparing HB 2661 to civil rights, criticized these efforts saying, "Maybe Washington can become ... a 1950s Mississippi of the north when it comes to minority rights."
Evidence of that condition would include homosexuals' homes and churches bombed; gays routinely brutalized; gay leaders assassinated; officials attacking gays with fire hoses and police dogs; and laws demanding that homosexuals attend separate schools, use separate bathrooms, drink from separate fountains and pass literacy tests to register to vote.
Yakima Herald Republic: Legislators pick and choose whose civil rights they'll protect
February 13, 2006
As we've said before in this column, if you're going to be against discrimination, you should be against it in any form.
That being the case, when the state House of Representatives last week approved House Bill 2564 - by a lopsided 96-2 vote - to add military personnel to the state's anti-discrimination laws, it was noteworthy and defensible action.
But so was action nearly two weeks prior - in the same chamber - when House Bill 2661, which added sexual orientation to the list of banned discrimination in the same law, was approved 61-37. Thirty-six Republicans, including all six from Central Washington, opposed it.
Only two Republicans opposed the military anti-discrimination measure and state Rep. Bruce Chandler of Granger was one of them, along with Rep. Gigi Talcott of Tacoma. Area Republicans supporting it were Mary Skinner, Yakima; Jim Clements, Selah; Dan Newhouse, Mabton; Janéa Holmquist, Moses Lake; and Bill Hinkle, Cle Elum.
While we didn't agree with Chandler's two votes, we applaud his consistency in sticking with his convictions on both.
If there was any doubt that the first vote on sexual orientation vote was political and tainted by the gay rights debate - well, now you know after the second vote to include military personnel in the anti-discrimination statute. How can someone be all for protecting civil rights of one group, but against doing the same for another?
That being the case, when the state House of Representatives last week approved House Bill 2564 - by a lopsided 96-2 vote - to add military personnel to the state's anti-discrimination laws, it was noteworthy and defensible action.
But so was action nearly two weeks prior - in the same chamber - when House Bill 2661, which added sexual orientation to the list of banned discrimination in the same law, was approved 61-37. Thirty-six Republicans, including all six from Central Washington, opposed it.
Only two Republicans opposed the military anti-discrimination measure and state Rep. Bruce Chandler of Granger was one of them, along with Rep. Gigi Talcott of Tacoma. Area Republicans supporting it were Mary Skinner, Yakima; Jim Clements, Selah; Dan Newhouse, Mabton; Janéa Holmquist, Moses Lake; and Bill Hinkle, Cle Elum.
While we didn't agree with Chandler's two votes, we applaud his consistency in sticking with his convictions on both.
If there was any doubt that the first vote on sexual orientation vote was political and tainted by the gay rights debate - well, now you know after the second vote to include military personnel in the anti-discrimination statute. How can someone be all for protecting civil rights of one group, but against doing the same for another?
Seattle Gay News: IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Washington Won't Discriminate
February 10, 2006
A statewide campaign is being organized to defeat the referendum and the initiative. I am honored to be chairing this effort. There are many other leaders from our community who have been involved in the defeat of past anti-discrimination efforts who are helping to organize the campaign, such as Marsha Botzer, Audrey Haberman, Laurie Jinkins and George Scarola, to name a few.
As a former judge and former deputy mayor, I know how important it is that we have strong laws against discrimination of any kind. After 29 years of legislative proposals, Washington law now protects all of us from discrimination in employment, housing and banking. And I firmly believe that most of the good people of the state of Washington agree that we should all be treated fairly.
This campaign will include the LGBT community from across the state as well as a broad based coalition including communities of color, faith-based communities, business leaders, the women's community, labor, the disability community and a wide range of other fair-minded people who do not believe in discrimination of any kind. Business, labor, religious and political leaders, and many others worked hard to pass the anti-discrimination law in Olympia and will work hard to ensure that the law is not repealed and these hard-earned rights taken away. They all understand that basic civil rights should never be put at risk by initiatives and referenda.
There may be a third discriminatory measure on the ballot also sponsored by Tim Eyman, directed at further limiting affirmative action (I-914). If so, we will want to work in close collaboration with folks working to defeat that.
As a former judge and former deputy mayor, I know how important it is that we have strong laws against discrimination of any kind. After 29 years of legislative proposals, Washington law now protects all of us from discrimination in employment, housing and banking. And I firmly believe that most of the good people of the state of Washington agree that we should all be treated fairly.
This campaign will include the LGBT community from across the state as well as a broad based coalition including communities of color, faith-based communities, business leaders, the women's community, labor, the disability community and a wide range of other fair-minded people who do not believe in discrimination of any kind. Business, labor, religious and political leaders, and many others worked hard to pass the anti-discrimination law in Olympia and will work hard to ensure that the law is not repealed and these hard-earned rights taken away. They all understand that basic civil rights should never be put at risk by initiatives and referenda.
There may be a third discriminatory measure on the ballot also sponsored by Tim Eyman, directed at further limiting affirmative action (I-914). If so, we will want to work in close collaboration with folks working to defeat that.
Seattle Weekly: Sexual Disorientation
February 8, 2006
The long-awaited gay-civil-rights bill that the Legislature passed and Gov. Christine Gregoire signed last month does not, unfortunately, apply in any way to an earlier law banning gay marriage. And an upcoming decision by the state Supreme Court on the constitutionality of that law, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a pairing of one man and one woman, will not affect the new civil-rights law. Gay civil rights and gay marriage are, however, conflated in the public mind. And opponents of gay rights—including initiative-obsessed Tim Eyman, who filed two ballot measures last week aimed at overturning the gay-civil-rights law—clearly hope to take advantage of the confusion. While it is highly unlikely that any new law, pro or con, concerning gay marriage will be enacted by the Legislature this year, Washingtonians might think otherwise and vote in support of Eyman's rollback of gay rights. So agree state Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a gay-rights and gay-marriage champion, and religious conservative Pastor Joe Fuiten of Bothell's Cedar Park Assembly.
Everett Herald: One conservative's view: gay rights bill is a good one
February 6, 2006
As to the morality of such behavior, my church considers gay sex "sinful." The thing is, we're all sinners - some of us (no matter our sexual orientation) more so than others. In the end, each of us will have to explain ourselves to an arms-folded, furrowed-brow, toe-tapping Supreme Being. His opinion of our lives will be the one that really matters. For that reason, I think I'll just leave that "first stone" on the ground.
What matters most to me in daily life is whether or not an individual obeys the law, pays taxes, doesn't harm others, volunteers to help, returns borrowed tools, carries a fair share of the load at work, and cuts his or her grass before it gets knee deep. The rest is private.
Judging others on anything other than character, ability, integrity and honesty is dumb. Denying someone with such qualities the means to a living, a place to live, or access to things we take for granted is simply wrong.
So this is one hard-over, gun-owning, Hillary-fearing, heterosexual conservative who's not troubled by this law.
What matters most to me in daily life is whether or not an individual obeys the law, pays taxes, doesn't harm others, volunteers to help, returns borrowed tools, carries a fair share of the load at work, and cuts his or her grass before it gets knee deep. The rest is private.
Judging others on anything other than character, ability, integrity and honesty is dumb. Denying someone with such qualities the means to a living, a place to live, or access to things we take for granted is simply wrong.
So this is one hard-over, gun-owning, Hillary-fearing, heterosexual conservative who's not troubled by this law.
Yakima Herald Republic: See through rhetoric of civil rights protection
February 5, 2006
Now that a civil rights bill may be referred to a vote of the people, it's important to keep in mind a couple of things it does not do:
* It does not in any way sanction a homosexual lifestyle.
* It does not in any way deal with same-sex marriage.
What Senate Bill 2661 does do is extend to sexual orientation the same protection against discrimination now afforded other groups of people in state law. If there's anything worrisome about the legislation approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire, it's that it has taken so long to extend this simple act of fairness to people too often denied it.
* It does not in any way sanction a homosexual lifestyle.
* It does not in any way deal with same-sex marriage.
What Senate Bill 2661 does do is extend to sexual orientation the same protection against discrimination now afforded other groups of people in state law. If there's anything worrisome about the legislation approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire, it's that it has taken so long to extend this simple act of fairness to people too often denied it.
Everett Herald: Eyman tries to con voters with his latest
Tim Eyman is out to con the voters and hopes you will put money into his "15-minutes-of-initiative-fame" bank account. Running out of tax issues, Eyman has taken on the role of moral crusader. Not only is Eyman good at diverting funds, he is also good at diverting the truth.
Eyman has filed a citizen's initiative and a referendum to void the recent gay-rights bill (HR 2661) signed into law. This bill simply states a person cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation in matters of housing, employment and finance.
It imposes nothing further than that. The law doesn't require employment quotas or impose gay marriage or the favorite of the uninformed, "preferential treatment." The law clearly states equal treatment for all in our society - this sounds American to me.
Eyman has filed a citizen's initiative and a referendum to void the recent gay-rights bill (HR 2661) signed into law. This bill simply states a person cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation in matters of housing, employment and finance.
It imposes nothing further than that. The law doesn't require employment quotas or impose gay marriage or the favorite of the uninformed, "preferential treatment." The law clearly states equal treatment for all in our society - this sounds American to me.
Seattle P-I: Another great political battle that is not over
When his bill to repeal the 82-year-old sodomy law passed in 1975, Sen. Peter Francis, D-Seattle, warned: "The task of educating the public is just beginning. A great political battle is never over."
Francis attended Tuesday's signing of gay civil rights legislation, essentially what Francis sponsored in another bill, with House Republican Ted Haley, in 1997.
Francis echoed his 1975 warning, saying: "There's a real big battle coming now. It's not over. This is a major step and something we can be very proud of, but it's certainly not over."
Right again.
In his award-wining book, "Gay Seattle: Stories of Exile and Belonging," Seattle University professor Gary Atkins writes, "The opening for changing Washington's sodomy law would come through a sympathetic heterosexual" -- Peter Francis. "A libertarian as much as a liberal," Atkins describes Francis, "he wanted government out of private lives. He once told a reporter that he sought to curb government's tendency to 'force people to do what's best for themselves.' "
Francis attended Tuesday's signing of gay civil rights legislation, essentially what Francis sponsored in another bill, with House Republican Ted Haley, in 1997.
Francis echoed his 1975 warning, saying: "There's a real big battle coming now. It's not over. This is a major step and something we can be very proud of, but it's certainly not over."
Right again.
In his award-wining book, "Gay Seattle: Stories of Exile and Belonging," Seattle University professor Gary Atkins writes, "The opening for changing Washington's sodomy law would come through a sympathetic heterosexual" -- Peter Francis. "A libertarian as much as a liberal," Atkins describes Francis, "he wanted government out of private lives. He once told a reporter that he sought to curb government's tendency to 'force people to do what's best for themselves.' "
Seattle P-I: Gay rights moves from insider politicking to a larger arena
February 4, 2006
A gay civil rights law that was defeated quietly in the Legislature for decades before passing by a single vote this year has become the defining political issue of the year, with battle lines drawn and rhetoric ready for a campaign to overturn the new law.
As gay rights activists await a state Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, they also are combining forces to fight two ballot measures that would erase the measure that adds "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and credit.
Opponents are already setting the stage to make the debate about homosexuality.
"Right and wrong will be a part of it," said Joseph Fuiten, a Bothell pastor who is chairman of Faith & Freedom Network, an organization that opposed the bill. "Is this a behavior we ought to protect or we ought to cure? I would say homosexuality is something that ought to be cured."
As gay rights activists await a state Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, they also are combining forces to fight two ballot measures that would erase the measure that adds "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and credit.
Opponents are already setting the stage to make the debate about homosexuality.
"Right and wrong will be a part of it," said Joseph Fuiten, a Bothell pastor who is chairman of Faith & Freedom Network, an organization that opposed the bill. "Is this a behavior we ought to protect or we ought to cure? I would say homosexuality is something that ought to be cured."
Seattle Gay News: Gov. Gregoire signs Anderson-Murray Civil Rights Bill into law
February 3, 2006
The Anderson-Murray Civil Rights Bill (HB 2661), which had languished in Olympia for nearly three decades was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on Tuesday during a special ceremony at the Capitol building. The bills passage makes Washington the 17th state in the country to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and the seventh to include Transgender persons.
"In 1977, a group of thoughtful citizens took the first steps toward adding 'sexual orientation' to the state's law against discrimination," said Gregoire. "We owe these citizens a tremendous amount of gratitude, because it was their first steps that brought us to where we are today & my signing the Civil Rights Bill into law.
"I can't think of any piece of legislation that has taken so long to work its way through the legislature. It makes today especially historic."
The crowded room included the legislations earliest backers, such as former State Sen. Pete Francis, the bill's original sponsor, and Roger Winters, who testified in favor of the legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1977. Francis told the Seattle Gay News on Tuesday that he had introduced the bill because he felt it was "the right thing to do."
"In 1977, a group of thoughtful citizens took the first steps toward adding 'sexual orientation' to the state's law against discrimination," said Gregoire. "We owe these citizens a tremendous amount of gratitude, because it was their first steps that brought us to where we are today & my signing the Civil Rights Bill into law.
"I can't think of any piece of legislation that has taken so long to work its way through the legislature. It makes today especially historic."
The crowded room included the legislations earliest backers, such as former State Sen. Pete Francis, the bill's original sponsor, and Roger Winters, who testified in favor of the legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1977. Francis told the Seattle Gay News on Tuesday that he had introduced the bill because he felt it was "the right thing to do."
Seattle Times: The generational disconnect on homosexual rights
Leaders of the fight against civil rights need to give up their crusade. Their notions of sin and sexuality belong in another era, to decades past when women could not vote, black people drank from designated fountains and gays and lesbians were beaten into false lives.
This generational disconnect was on full display the past couple of weeks as gray-haired legislators and salt-and-pepper-bearded pastors tried to deny a law that granted gays and lesbians the rights heterosexuals and minorities have long enjoyed.
It was significant that the civil-rights law passed largely because of a Gen-X Republican's vote. Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, was quoted from the Senate floor in The Seattle Times as saying, "We don't choose who we love. The heart chooses who we love. I don't believe it's right for us to say ... it's acceptable to discriminate against people because of that. I cannot stand with that argument."
This generational disconnect was on full display the past couple of weeks as gray-haired legislators and salt-and-pepper-bearded pastors tried to deny a law that granted gays and lesbians the rights heterosexuals and minorities have long enjoyed.
It was significant that the civil-rights law passed largely because of a Gen-X Republican's vote. Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, was quoted from the Senate floor in The Seattle Times as saying, "We don't choose who we love. The heart chooses who we love. I don't believe it's right for us to say ... it's acceptable to discriminate against people because of that. I cannot stand with that argument."
Seattle P-I: Gay rights bill signing pays tribute to Cal Anderson
February 1, 2006
Before there was Ed Murray, there was Cal Anderson.
As Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a gay civil rights bill into law Tuesday, the culmination of 29 years' effort, she paid tribute to the 11-year fight of Murray, a Democratic state representative from Seattle, its prime sponsor year after year. Nearly 200 people at the ceremony gave the two of them a standing ovation.
But Gregoire added, "We must not forget the late Sen. Cal Anderson. ... Every year during his service to this state ... Cal fought to ban discrimination in the workplace."
Anderson, Washington's first openly gay state legislator, died of AIDS-related cancer in 1995 after seven years in the House and a year in the Senate. Murray, a close friend and fellow resident of Capitol Hill who became a legislator in 1995, had been his campaign manager.
As Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a gay civil rights bill into law Tuesday, the culmination of 29 years' effort, she paid tribute to the 11-year fight of Murray, a Democratic state representative from Seattle, its prime sponsor year after year. Nearly 200 people at the ceremony gave the two of them a standing ovation.
But Gregoire added, "We must not forget the late Sen. Cal Anderson. ... Every year during his service to this state ... Cal fought to ban discrimination in the workplace."
Anderson, Washington's first openly gay state legislator, died of AIDS-related cancer in 1995 after seven years in the House and a year in the Senate. Murray, a close friend and fellow resident of Capitol Hill who became a legislator in 1995, had been his campaign manager.
Federal Way Mirror: Anti-discrimination law's effect on gay marriage unclear
Thirty years after the fight to include sexual orientation in Washington's anti-discrimination ban, Governor Christine Gregoire yesterday was prepared to sign the Anderson-Murray Bill to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing and lending.
All three legislators from the 30th District, which includes Federal Way, voted with other lawmakers in favor of the bill last Friday, sending it to Gregoire to make it official.
While some opponents of the bill - including the filer of two ballot measures to block it - fear it creates a new protected class and others are rolling last year's gay marriage campaign into the flurry of commentary surrounding the bill's passage, legislators from the south King County area legislators point out the bill doesn't include any gay marriage provisions.
In fact, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat from Des Moines, said Republicans amended the bill with a section that explicitly states it won't have any effect on Washington's marriage laws. All it does, he said, is protect gay and lesbian workers from being fired because of their sexual orientation, protect them from being denied housing and protect them from being declined for loans or other financial transactions.
All three legislators from the 30th District, which includes Federal Way, voted with other lawmakers in favor of the bill last Friday, sending it to Gregoire to make it official.
While some opponents of the bill - including the filer of two ballot measures to block it - fear it creates a new protected class and others are rolling last year's gay marriage campaign into the flurry of commentary surrounding the bill's passage, legislators from the south King County area legislators point out the bill doesn't include any gay marriage provisions.
In fact, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat from Des Moines, said Republicans amended the bill with a section that explicitly states it won't have any effect on Washington's marriage laws. All it does, he said, is protect gay and lesbian workers from being fired because of their sexual orientation, protect them from being denied housing and protect them from being declined for loans or other financial transactions.
Seattle Times: Gregoire signs gay-civil-rights bill
Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a gay-civil-rights bill into law Tuesday, though the law may be held in limbo if opponents are successful in forcing a public vote this fall.
Nearly 200 people gave Gregoire, and bill sponsor Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a standing ovation, as Murray waved the pen that signed the measure that adds "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and credit.
Nearly 200 people gave Gregoire, and bill sponsor Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a standing ovation, as Murray waved the pen that signed the measure that adds "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and credit.
Centralia Chronicle: Have voters decide same-sex marriage, 'gay rights' issues
The Legislature last week passed a civil rights bill for homosexuals that Gov. Christine Gregoire was expected to sign into law today, but the issue of homosexual rights in this state is still far from settled.
The anti-discrimination bill may well be — and should be — challenged and decided by the people in a referendum on the November ballot. An even more contentious fight may be looming over the issue of same-sex marriage in this state.
The anti-discrimination measure, House Bill 2661, passed the Senate by a bare margin of 25-23.
Our 20th District Sen. Dan Swecker of Rochester, all other Republicans except one, and just two Democrats voted against the bill. It gives homosexuals — gays and lesbians — preferential treatment as a special group based on their sexual orientation that cannot be discriminated against in housing, employment, lending and insurance. Such preference, take note, is not granted to military status, income level, or medical history.
The anti-discrimination bill may well be — and should be — challenged and decided by the people in a referendum on the November ballot. An even more contentious fight may be looming over the issue of same-sex marriage in this state.
The anti-discrimination measure, House Bill 2661, passed the Senate by a bare margin of 25-23.
Our 20th District Sen. Dan Swecker of Rochester, all other Republicans except one, and just two Democrats voted against the bill. It gives homosexuals — gays and lesbians — preferential treatment as a special group based on their sexual orientation that cannot be discriminated against in housing, employment, lending and insurance. Such preference, take note, is not granted to military status, income level, or medical history.
