Gay rights measure rejected by Senate (Washington State)

[Geekscum]

OLYMPIA -- In a vote the Senate had managed to avoid for almost 30 years, 23 Republicans and two Democrats joined forces yesterday to kill a bill that would have banned discrimination against gay people.

Gay rights advocates and Democratic leaders who have said the civil rights bill was among their top priorities wept openly and vowed to continue their fight after the bill failed.

"The lesbian and gay community, to say the least, is hurt and angry and suffering at this moment," said Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, one of four gay lawmakers. "But this for us is not a time to be angry. It is a time for action."

Murray, who has championed the legislation for a decade, said just bringing the measure to a vote in the Senate was progress because it forced lawmakers to reveal their true feelings. The bill has passed the House several times, including this session, but had never come to a vote in the upper chamber.


http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/221211_civilrights22.html

[Fenris]

1. "I believe adultery is wrong, I believe sex outside marriage is wrong..."

"...I believe homosexuality is wrong. Therefore, I cannot give government protection to this behavior," Hargrove said.

Yikes.

[Fenris]

2. Oh Hell, this one is even better:

"Some, including Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane, said there was little evidence that employers, landlords or bankers are discriminating against gays and lesbians. But prohibiting such abuse would open the door to litigation and increase the cost of rental housing or cause employers to do business elsewhere, he said."

x(

[MountainLaurel]

3. Gotta protect those poor, poor corporations

:grr:

[ezee]

5. His statement is totally stupid

IT has been against the law in Seattle to discriminate against gays and lesbians for years. There has been no repercussions as he speaks of and there would not be state wide. Just another lying bigot.

[movonne]

4. I believe he is wrong....so why don't he shut the "f" up...