Just a couple of years after Washington voters defeated a special rights and minority status for homosexuals initiative, the Snohomish County Council voted 3-2 (along party lines) for just that. This bill was disguised as an affirmative action initiative, to define citizenship requirements in employment and protect veterans from discrimination, safeguarding their jobs when returning from service in the current conflict. Protected status for homosexuals was also included.
Citizenship requirements are already well in place and, except for local government and private firms with special security requirements, are largely a federal matter. The discrimination against veterans was a problem that largely ended two decades ago after the Vietnam conflict. The proponent of the bill pointed out that we needed to protect the jobs of our veterans returning from Afghanistan and to see to it that they do not face discrimination. What discrimination? Like those who fought in Iraq, these veterans will return as heroes. As for their jobs, perhaps he has never heard of The Soldier’s and Sailors Civil Relief Act. Make no mistake about it, this measure was about gay rights and nothing else. They couldn’t win at the state level, so they are chopping it up, attacking county by county.
A final point on this bill: It was forced through the council just days before the Christmas holidays while people were busy or distracted, and before the new council is sworn in – in January. The gay community knew they would never get this bill through with a Republican majority, so it had to be done now.
The voters of Washington never cease to amaze me. They soundly defeat initiatives like special preferences for homosexuals and gun control and then vote in the very Democrats who support them. The unions support these same Democrats because they fight for tougher environmental laws and strengthen union control. What part of ‘made in China’ don’t they understand? (Not to worry, these aren’t Boeing jobs – yet.)
This action by the council proves once again that special interest groups own the Democratic Party in Snohomish County lock, stock and barrel. Will we ever learn?
Marysville
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