Following congressional passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement:

“We are beyond saddened to see our federal colleagues limit access to gender-affirming health care for dependents of those serving our nation in the armed forces. Access to necessary medical care should never be viewed as a political issue. Washington state remains a leader in protecting trans youth, and we will continue to act to protect the civil rights of transgender and queer people, including access to gender-affirming health care.

“The LGBTQ Caucus has led on the front to protect LGBTQ+ youth by:

  • banning conversion therapy (SB 5722),
  • creating the Washington State LGBTQ Commission (SB 5356),
  • strengthening hate crime laws (HB 1732),
  • fighting bullying against transgender students (SB 5689),
  • banning gender expression discrimination by most health providers (SB 5602),
  • guaranteeing our schools provide inclusive, comprehensive sexual education (SB 5395),
  • ensuring people can access essential gender-affirming care (SB 5313),
  • authorizing courts to waive auditor’s fees for name changes (HB 1961),
  • providing safe accommodations for young people seeking health care, like gender-affirming care (SB 5599),
  • expanding the definition of family member to include structures more common to trans and queer communities (SB 5793, SB 5097),
  • creating a hate crimes hotline (SB 5427),
  • requiring school districts to teach the histories and contributions of historically marginalized groups (SB 5462), and
  • allowing students to report abuses and ethics violations by those entrusted to teach and care for them (HB 1239).

“During the upcoming 2025 legislative session, we will continue our fight to protect essential freedoms — like civil rights and health care access — for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, especially as trans young people come under attack. We will continue to make Washington a place where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families can find freedom and joy (link to article). A state that is livable and safe for LGBTQ+ people fosters business growth and ensures everyone benefits from the freedoms they deserve.”

The Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus is composed of legislators from the LGBTQ+ community and co-chaired by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) and Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle). For interviews or more information, contact communications officer Dee Gilson at dee.gilson@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7899.