To prohibit discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation in employment, in credit and insurance transactions, in places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, and in real property transactions. For these purposes, "Sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity. As used in this definition, "gender expression or identity" means 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. The bill was introduced at the request of Governor Gregoire.   Official Text and Analysis.

To clarify that the inclusion of sexual orientation among the bases for which discrimination is prohibited in employment matters will not be construed to require an employer to establish employment goals or quotas based on sexual orientation.

To change the threshold number of employees needed to exempt an employer from the law against discrimination from 8 to 40 employees. H AMD 648.

To exclude from the definition of employer any organization sponsored by a religious or sectarian organization. H AMD 649.

To provide that a religious or sectarian organization is the employer of every individual on the payroll of the organization. H AMD 650.

To state that the inclusion of sexual orientation among the bases for prohibiting discrimination under the Law Against Discrimination does not create any precedent, basis, or right to same-sex marriage, and that the law must not be construed as creating any precedent, basis, or right to same-sex marriage. H AMD 651.

To add a referendum clause, requiring a vote of the public at the next general election. H AMD 652.

To add a statement to the Law Against Discrimination that inclusion of sexual orientation will not be construed to modify or supersede state law relating to marriage. H AMD 653.

To prohibit discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation.

By the Senate Financial Institutions, Housing, and Consumer Protection Committee, to strike everything after the enacting clause and insert a new bill accomplishing the same goals as the original bill. The amended bill contains an additional provision to expressly state that the Law Against Discrimination is not to be construed as an endorsement of any specific belief, practice, behavior, or orientation.

To limit the definition of sexual orientation to exclude behaviors other than homosexuality, bisexuality, gender expression or identity. S AMD 20. The amendment was withdrawn on 1/27/06.

To limit the definition of sexual orientation to exclude behaviors other than homosexuality, bisexuality, gender expression or identity. S AMD 21.

To add a referendum clause. S AMD 22.

To add a referendum clause. S AMD 23.

To amend the bill to prohibit discrimination based on political party affiliation. S AMD 24.

To prohibit discrimination based on obesity. S AMD 25.

To concur in the Senate amendment.

To prohibit discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation.