OLYMPIA — Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Federal Way) filed three bills Wednesday aimed at increasing comprehensive student civil rights protections and accountability measures for districts intentionally violating Washington state law. SB 5179 adds needed accountability at the school district level by directing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to establish procedures to investigate and address complaints against school districts intentionally violating state law, including creating a compliance action plan for the district. The bill focuses on ensuring school districts comply with laws that cover issues of civil rights (including discrimination ...
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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 ...
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The Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus released the following statement Friday: “As members of the Washington State Legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus, we were deeply impacted by the unacceptable actions taken by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) on Jan. 26 and 27 at Seattle-area gay bars many of us have visited over the years. The manner of the Board's enforcement inspections caused immediate fear and trauma to the patrons, shattering their sense of safety. Without immediate action, this breach of trust risks doing lasting harm between our community and the LCB. This enforcement tactic spread fear and impacted ...
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Members of the Washington State LGBTQ Caucus commend the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to not hear a challenge to Washington’s ban on conversion therapy and issued the following statement Tuesday:
“Conversion therapy is a harmful and discredited practice that lacks scientific validity and often causes severe psychological and emotional distress. “This crucial decision upholds the state’s commitment to protecting LGTBQ+ individuals and reinforces the importance of promoting the mental health and well-being of all Washingtonians. “Despite dissents from three justices, this decision signals a continued ...Read More
June 30, 2023 At a time of increased nationwide violence and hatred directed towards the LGBTQ+ community, the United States Supreme Court has sided today with forces of division and taken a step back in the march toward a more perfect union. This decision marks the first time in our nation’s history that the Court has allowed businesses open to the public to effectively discriminate against a protected class. To refuse service to customers based on who they love is not only outdated, but also hateful and in conflict with the beliefs of the vast majority of the country. The ...
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Bill to safeguard youth seeking protected health services clears Senate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 1, 2023 Press Inquiries | 360.786.7853, courtney.james@leg.wa.gov OLYMPIA – Legislation to support youth seeking protected health care services in Washington passed the Senate on a 27 – 19 vote today. Senate Bill 5599, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), removes barriers to shelter for at-risk and vulnerable youth. Under current law, if a child who has run away from home goes to a licensed shelter, that ...
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OLYMPIA – Legislation to implement inclusive learning standards in Washington schools passed the Senate today on a vote of 29-19. Senate Bill 5462, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), would update learning standards to include the histories, contributions, and perspectives of LGBTQ people, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion standards.
“Every student deserves to feel represented by the material they’re learning, and when they hear their stories in the school curriculum, students are more likely to be successful and engaged in the classroom,” said Liias.Inclusive curricula ...Read More
We, the Washington State Legislature's LGBTQ Caucus, stand with the Trans youth in Texas and condemn Texas Gov. Abbott's horrific directive to investigate gender-affirming care for trans youth. Trans, gender-diverse, and gender non-binary folks are nearly 12 times more likely to attempt suicide. This rate increases when they can’t access gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is suicide prevention-- it saves lives.
These new Texan rules will do nothing but harm Trans and gender diverse youth for no other reason than being themselves. A state government should help and ...
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