Governor Jay Inslee’s office is now responding to concerned constituents who are reaching out to him about a new rule that allows men into the women’s restroom if they say they are a woman.
Here is the response:
Thank you for contacting the Governor in regards to the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)’s recent publication of new administrative rules for sexual orientation and gender identity in Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), Chapter 49.60 Revised Code of Washington (RCW 49.60). We appreciate hearing from you.
Under existing RCW, it is illegal to treat members of a protected class differently than non-protected class members. In 2006, the Washington State Legislature added sexual orientation to the list of protected classes covered by RCW 49.60 and defined sexual orientation to include “heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity.”
The WSHRC is tasked with interpreting and enforcing RCW 49.60, which is why, beginning in 2012, they conducted multiple work groups to begin the rulemaking process for the recent rule change. The new rules state that places of public accommodation that are covered by the law shall allow individuals the use of gender segregated facilities that are consistent with the individuals’ gender identity. Organizations are encouraged, but not required, to provide single-use gender-neutral bathrooms or changing areas available to all individuals.
The rulemaking process undertaken by the WSHRC was thorough and necessary to bring its rules in compliance with the state’s current law against discrimination. The Commission heard from the public and affected groups through a transparent rulemaking process and in public hearings.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. The Governor truly appreciates your input.
Sincerely,
Constituent Services
Office of Governor Jay Inslee
While the Governor seems to defends the rulemaking process more than the rule itself, he seems to be supportive of it.
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His response addresses none of the concerns about the safety of women and children in public restrooms, the safety of children in schools, or the wisdom of a statewide mandate of this magnitude on all businesses.
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You can email the Governor on this issue, or any issue, by clicking here. You may simply receive a copy of the same form letter in response, but do your part. If you want a politician to do something they aren’t inclined to do on their own, you have to convince him/her that their next election depends on it. And that means lots of people have to say the same thing. A very short message simply stating how you feel about the issue will suffice.
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The phone number to his office is 360-902-4111.
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To email your legislators click here or call the legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000.
