Human Rights Commission Offers Employers Assistance

During the 2006 legislative session, Governor Chris Gregoire signed ESHB 2661 into law, making sexual orientation, including gender identity, a protected class in Washington State.

Enforced by the Washington State Human Rights Commission (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, is now 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. The new sexual orientation jurisdiction is a natural extension of civil rights.

WSHRC staff members are available to assist Washington’s cities in answering difficult or challenging questions. 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 cities, other local governments, business owners, housing providers, and others who need information on how to implement and comply with the new law.

The WSHRC has offices in Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and Vancouver. For further information and to request training, please visit the WSHRC website at www.hum.wa.gov or contact your local office.