Finkbeiner (R-Wash.) will change vote, support gay civil rights bill

[Newsjock]

http://www.theolympian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/NEWS0402/60109055

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington's former Senate Republican leader today said he will reverse himself and vote for a gay civil rights bill, all but assuring its passage this year after two decades of debate and narrow defeats.

Sen. Bill Finkbeiner's decision last year to stick with his Republican colleagues led to its one-vote defeat in the Senate last year after it sailed through the House.

The measure would add "sexual orientation" to a state law that already bans discrimination in housing, employment and insurance based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, marital status and other factors.

"I've had a number of conversations over the past year that have led me to more fully understand the level of discrimination against gays and lesbians, and I now find it is both appropriate and necessary for the state to make it clear that this is not acceptable," Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, said in a written statement obtained by The Associated Press before it was widely released.

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[mom cat]

1. Wonderful news. Thanks. K&R

[ismnotwasm]

2. Awesome!

"It's an issue that I've struggled with since I've been in the Legislature," Finkbeiner later said by phone. "I know there are going to be some people who are disappointed. Hopefully, they understand this is an issue of conscience."

The cynic in me says...Naw. But I'm very glad he's on record as saying this.

[keopeli]

3. Recap: This time last year, it was MICROSOFT who lobbied to STOP this bill

Yes, the proverbial bastion of gay employees, Microsoft, worked in cahoots with the conservative christian minister and ex-Seahawks football player who leads a church in Seattle called Antioch Church. Together, they lobbied this senator, Finkbeiner, to switch his vote to DEFEAT this bill.

Immediately afterwards, Microsoft came under fire. An award bestowed on Microsoft for being a leader in gay-friendly employment REVOKED their award. Some of the most important Microsoft employees who are gay QUIT. Within 2 weeks, Microsoft was crying on the beirs. Still, the damage was already done.

It had become apparent why Ralph Reed had been visiting Seattle before this vote. Microsoft sold it's soul. One might look and say, we only had to wait an extra year to have this bill pass. But, that would be wrong. The reason this bill failed last year is because the Republicans were leading a forceful campaign against Gay Marriage and they lobbied in many states against bills such as this and for anti-gay ammendments. Washington was tainted by the Republican's dirty tricks. They'll do anything to mislead Americans into voting for them.

Had there not been a STRONG backlash when this bill was defeated last year, this year's legislature would not have passed it either.

One more point. Don't count your chicken's before they hatch. Until the vote itself, anything can happen.

[wordpix]

4. looks like another Repug defector--let's hope for more

[f-bush]

5. It's about time!!!!

My wife, daughter and I worship at a Reconciling Ministry Network (RMN) congregation in Tacoma, Washington (First United Methodist Church) we have been praying and struggling for the passage of this bill for some time.

We need to thank Mr. Finkbeiner for helping us support what is right and just in the cause of
advancing human dignity.

Mike Collier

[AlecBGreen]

6. wow

that is GREAT NEWS! Hopefully this guy is sincere.

"I've had a number of conversations over the past year that have led me to more fully understand the level of discrimination against gays and lesbians, and I now find it is both appropriate and necessary for the state to make it clear that this is not acceptable,"

I wish all our congresscritters would take this lesson to heart. Its never too late to learn. Im gonna write a letter and thank Bill. Good on ya mate!!

-Alec