Gov. Chris Gregoire recently signed into law a bill outlawing discrimination against veterans.
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, will extend the state’s discrimination protections to all honorably discharged veterans and active or reserve service personnel. The law currently prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability.
A veteran who saw action in Kosovo and Iraq, Hobbs introduced the measure after observing discrimination firsthand.
“We really don’t want anything more than understanding and compassion,” Hobbs said. “We’ve seen the horrors of war up close, and we’re just thankful to be back home with our families and friends. It’s as simple as that.”
SB 5123 goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
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