OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington’s Legislature passed a ballot initiative referred to by supporters as a ‘parent’s bill of rights.’ A lawsuit brought by several civil rights organizations says the new law is unconstitutional.
According to The Seattle Times, the lawsuit was filed by QLaw, an LGBTQ+ legal foundation, along with Legal Voice and Washington’s ACLU.
In a statement circulated to the media Thursday, the ACLU argued that the initiative could prove harmful to marginalized Washingtonians.
“The initiative contains vague language that changes important laws that protect youth privacy, and its implementation will result in harm to LGBTQ+ students, youth of color, and students from other marginalized backgrounds,” the ACLU said.
The initiative was initially proposed by conservative activists but was unanimously approved by the legislature in March after state senate Democrats assured skeptics that the initiative would not be implemented in a way that violated queer civil rights.
A portion of the initiative, which is set to become law June 6, includes language requiring schools to notify parents before medical services are offered to their child. Legal Voice attorney Julia Marks argued that the implementation of the initiative could have a negative impact on trans youth.
“From its vague language to its misleading framing, it is a dangerous bill that targets students who need confidential support — from queer youth to youth survivors of sexual violence, to youth who need reproductive or mental health care — and it interferes with the inclusive curricula that all our students deserve,” Marks said.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert used the lawsuit as an opportunity to challenge fellow candidate Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D).
“The people of Washington spoke through the initiative process and their voices were heard by our legislature…The legislature passed this law protecting the rights of parents and children. Will AG Bob Ferguson do his job and uphold the law and voice of the people to protect these rights? Or will he side with the ACLU?” Reichert said.
Because the lawsuit was leveled against the state, Ferguson’s office will decide how Washington responds.
Reichert made his stance on LGBTQ+ issues clear during a Feb. campaign event during which he denied the existence of transgender people and said marriage was between a man and a woman.
The lawsuit occurs during the context of a difficult 2024 for the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, including several raids on Seattle gay bars in Jan., the Yakima City Council’s rejection of Pride Month and a mid-May arson episode during which the downtown Spokane Pride mural was set on fire.
It is unclear whether the lawsuit will halt the initiative becoming law in early June.
