Need proof that we are still miles away from achieving true equality and civil rights? Take a look at Indiana and the national firestorm set off there.
Need more proof? Look at what happened in the middle of the night right here in Olympia late last week. While most Washingtonians slept, I along with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate fought a marathon 12-hour debate that did not end until 4:30 a.m..
During the debate, the Republican majority voted down amendments that represent the absolute core values of our state. With the help of a rule change that required a supermajority to pass any budget amendments, Republicans killed proposals that would have guaranteed equal pay for women, protected transgender children from bullying, provided emergency food assistance to needy families and finally, my amendment that simply would have required vendors who do business with the state to be in line with state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Many of these amendments actually received the 25 votes necessary to pass under normal circumstances. But because of a rule change, because some wanted to portray themselves as believers in equality and civil rights with words rather than actions, these amendments failed.
Early Friday morning when I finally walked off the Senate floor, I knew that this incredible institution that I have the great fortune to a part of is… well, broken. It surely does not represent the core values of our citizens. Washingtonians are a proud and passionate people who stand up for equality and fight to protect children, women, the hungry and our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors. The majority of our state believes in these values — the majority in the Washington state Senate does not.
Last week’s actions were not a defeat; they were a wake up call. While I will continue to work across the aisle to reach bipartisan compromises that advance this state, there can be no compromise when it comes to equality, the protection of our children and the defense of women.
The incredible grass-roots activism that has brought the wrath of people and businesses upon leaders in Indiana led to changes in that state’s absurd anti-gay law. Now is the time for the citizens of Washington state to stand up for their values too. We must, because the majority in the Senate is clearly out of touch with what matters most. The fact that a majority of senators would vote to allow discrimination to persist is reprehensible.
The actions that took place last week made me furious. Don’t let this go unnoticed. Post, Tweet, call your friends and write letters to this paper and others. When leaders are out of touch, it is critical that Washingtonians remind them who they work for.
It is time for Washington state to close loopholes and protect all Washingtonians — across the board — from discrimination in the workplace. We can accept nothing less.
State Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, represents the 40th District.
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