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Sexual orientation discrimination outlawed in Washington
February 04, 2006 by Ross Runkel at LawMemo
"Sexual orientation" will no longer be a lawful reason for employers to use in hiring, firing, and setting terms and conditions of employment in Washington State.
The legislature has enacted amendments to the Law Against Discrimination. The new statute, House Bill 2661, was signed by the Governor January 31, and is scheduled to go into effect June 8, 2006.
The amended statute defines "sexual orientation" this way: "heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity."
"Gender expression or identity" will mean: "having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth."
Rumor has it that there will be a a citizen initiative that will delay the effective date and put the matter on the ballot in the fall.
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