"Governor Gregoire demonstrates the difference that Democratic leadership often makes when it comes to equality for our families," said Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director. "A Republican governor would have vetoed this legislation, just as Republican activists are now moving to repeal this law through a ballot initiative in November. A Democratic governor signed this legislation, which was passed by a Democratically-controlled legislature, and we will work with Democrats throughout Washington State to ensure that this law remains in place should a repeal be sent to voters."

Republican activist Tim Eyman filed paperwork on Monday to repeal House Bill 2661 through a ballot initiative. House Bill 2661 will take effect in June, and if Republicans gather the 112,440 signatures needed prior to its enactment, the law will be frozen until a November vote. If that move fails, Eyman and his allies would have to collect about 225,000 voter signatures by July 7th to put another initiative on the November ballot overturning the law.

Governor Gregoire on Monday stated her opposition to any attempt to overturn the law. "It's just unbelievable to me that we would now turn our backs and say it's okay to discriminate. It's just wrong in my opinion," the Governor said.

House Bill 2661, after passing the Washington House of Representatives by a 60-37 vote, was approved by the Senate last Friday on almost an exclusive party-line vote of 25-23, with only one Republican Senator voting along with Democrats. The measure, championed for the past decade by openly-gay Democratic state representative Ed Murray (D-Seattle), was first introduced nearly 30 years ago. Murray worked with Democrats and statewide organizations, like Equal Rights Washington, to build broad support for the legislation.

"The work of a broad, grassroots coalition helped Democrats pass this legislation into law," said Gregg Gallo, a Board Member for both the National Stonewall Democrats and the Washington State Stonewall Democrats. "However, with only a one-seat majority in the state senate, it is crucial that voters work this year to re-elect the Democratic candidates who voted unanimously for this legislation. Otherwise, Republicans may have the opportunity to reverse these newly won rights."

Republican opposition to the bill had prevented it from moving forward during previous years. Governor Chris Gregoire narrowly defeated her Republican opponent, State Senator Dino Rossi when elected in 2004. Rossi, who voted against the legislation as a state senator, had vowed to veto the legislation if he was elected. He failed.

For more information on the Washington State Stonewall Democrats, visit: www.stonewalldemswa.org

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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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