Discrimination: The hidden enemy for our returning veterans

OLYMPIA – Call it misplaced anger about the Iraq war. Call it ignorance about post-traumatic stress disorder. Either way, the Senate today confirmed that discrimination against our returning veterans will not be tolerated in Washington.

Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, a veteran of Kosovo and Iraq, introduced the measure after observing discrimination first hand.

“I was asked inappropriate questions about my mental stability and my willingness to work with those opposed to the Iraqi war,” Hobbs said. “Our veterans should be valued for the sacrifices they make for our country, not maligned out of fear, ignorance or intolerance.”

The Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 5123. It would 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.

“I think there are only two relevant questions that an employer should be asking a returning veteran,” Hobbs said. “ ‘Did you serve honorably?’ and ‘Do your military skills transfer to the job?’ ”

SB 5123 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Return to Sen. Hobbs' home page