Washington State Human Rights Commission
Announces New Jurisdiction
For further information:
Marc Brenman
Executive Director
360-753-2558
mbrenman@hum.wa.gov
Olympia – June 7, 2006 The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) announces the expansion of civil rights in the State of Washington. Governor Chris Gregoire signed ESHB 2661 into law, making sexual orientation, including gender identity, a protected class in Washington State. The new law is effective as of June 7, 2006.
“Today is a proud day in Washington. Today, a promise that began 29 years ago is finally realized,” said Governor Gregoire. “Washington has taken a stand to say to gay and lesbian individuals, moms and dads, sons and daughters, neighbors, co-workers and friends that, like all other people, they are free to work in an environment absent discrimination.”
Marc Brenman, WSHRC Executive Director, said “This new jurisdiction is a natural extension of civil rights.” Enforced by the WSHRC, the Washington Law against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) makes discrimination unlawful on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, marital status, and age. Discrimination based on sexual orientation, including gender identity, will be illegal in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and lending, and insurance. All employers with eight or more employees, except tribes and religious non-profit institutions, are covered by the law.
WSHRC staff are prepared to help people answer questions and file complaints. Staff will investigate complaints with the same respect and dignity provided to all complainants. In many cases, parties to a complaint will be offered alternative dispute resolution as a way to quickly resolve disagreements and overcome allegedly discriminatory practices. In addition, the WSHRC can provide free training to business owners, housing providers, and others who need information on how to implement and comply with the new law.
The Chair of the WSHRC is Kathy Baros Friedt of Olympia. The WSHRC has offices in Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and, soon Vancouver. For further information and to request training on the new jurisdiction, please visit the WSHRC website at www.hum.wa.gov or contact your local office. Complaints can also be filed using our new online complaint form.
OLYMPIA HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
For Complaints from Western Washington and the Olympics, including Pierce,
Thurston, Clark, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Kitsap Counties
TEL: 360-753-6770 -- FAX: 360-586-2282
Toll Free Statewide: 1-800-233-3247
TTY: 1-800-300-7525
SEATTLE DISTRICT OFFICE
For Complaints from Central and North Puget Sound, including King,
Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Whatcom Counties
TEL: 206-464-6500 -- FAX: 206-464-7463
TTY: 206-587-5168
SPOKANE DISTRICT OFFICE
For Complaints from Eastern Washington, including Spokane, Whitman,
Okanogan, Lincoln, Ferry, and Stevens Counties
TEL: 509-568-3196 -- FAX: 509-568-3197
YAKIMA DISTRICT OFFICE
For Complaints from Central Washington, including Yakima, Kittitas,
Chelan, Benton, Walla Walla, and Klickitat Counties
TEL: 509-575-2772 -- FAX: 509-575-2064
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