Cautious Optimism Washington Gay Rights Bill Will Pass

[sonicx]

(Olympia, Washington) Rep. Ed Murray knows better than to celebrate a lone Republican’s change of heart, even though it could break the decades-old logjam over a measure to extend anti-discrimination protection to gays and lesbians.

The Seattle Democrat has watched the bill banning discrimination in jobs and housing die in the Legislature for many years – first as a gay-rights activist, then as a lawmaker in the state House.

“Every year, something causes a vote or two to slip away,” he said.

But if the math holds, the vote from Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (story), a moderate Republican from Kirkland, is all supporters need.

Microsoft Corp. also has come out in favor of the measure, a year after being denounced for quietly dropping support for it. (story) Last week, the company joined Boeing, Hewlett Packard Co., Nike and other companies in a letter to state leaders urging passage of the bill.

Under the bill, “sexual orientation” would be added 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.

Sixteen states have passed similar laws. Businesses with fewer than eight employees would be exempt.

http://365gay.com/Newscon06/01/011506waRights.htm

[DarkTirade]

1. Yeah, I noticed when I looked at the poster at my last job

that my state doesn't have sexual orientation listed there.