Update: 3:35pm PST
The Washington State Senate has voted against passage of SB 6443, a bill that would have repealed the Human Rights Commission’s dangerous open-bathroom rule, by a vote of 25-24.
Three Republicans voted alongside Democrats to kill this bill: Senator Joe Fain, Senator Steve Litzow, and Senator Andy Hill. Senator Jim Hargrove and Senator Tim Sheldon broke ranks with their fellow Democrats and voted for the bill.
Update: 3:47pm PST
Joseph Backholm, Executive Director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, has released this statement in regards to the Washington Senate’s action to kill SB 6443:
“Today, the Washington State Senate voted to repeal the right to privacy that every person in Washington State has long expected in locker rooms and bathrooms. In doing so, they have created legal protections for those who would access private spaces to do harm. They have also created significant liability for businesses and schools who would try to protect students and customers.
The public understands that common sense and compassion are not in conflict, but in a political environment simple truths are sometimes lost.”
For press availability for Mr. Backholm, please contact FPIW’s offices at (425) 608-0242.
Stay tuned for more information throughout the day.
Update: 4:44pm PST
You can view a list of the Senators who voted for and against this bill by clicking here. FPIW is urging concerned citizens to contact their Senators to share your thoughts about this vote and ask those who voted ‘NO’ to reconsider.
