A long-awaited win for gay rights: Senate OKs state anti-bias bill
|
|
Washington will no longer allow discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing or lending, thanks to landmark legislation passed Friday after nearly three decades of debate. The Senate ended the epic battle shortly before noon, when, one by one, members called out votes in favor and against the gay rights bill. The 25-23 roll call vote was a countdown to victory for gay rights advocates who have fought long and hard to pass the anti-discrimination legislation. With the Senate approval of the bill, the Capitol erupted into revelry of hugs, heartfelt tears and champagne toasts. The bill expands the Washington Civil Rights Act, which protects minorities from discrimination based on race, religion, gender and disabilities. However, it would not on its own give gays and lesbians the right to marry. Conservatives argue that homosexuals have never faced the institutional discrimination that those others groups have faced, and so the legislation was unnecessary. But activists say gays and lesbians do face real discrimination in Washington based on sexual orientation and need the protection the bill provides. The clamor drowned out for the moment grumbles from those who saw the legislation as a misguided step toward gay marriage and have threatened an initiative to undo it. Last year, which was the first time the bill got a full senate vote, Democrats were unable to advance it because Sen. Kim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, defected. This year, those lawmakers held their ground, but Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, changed his vote. Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, was the center of attention as activists, lawmakers and Gov. Christine Gregoire heralded the event as the beginning of a new era of tolerance and equality in Washington. More : seattlepi.nwsource.com |