Governor signs bill outlawing discrimination against veterans

OLYMPIA – They don’t expect parades. But they don’t expect discrimination either.

Veterans returning from war want nothing more than a smooth re-entry into society. For many, however, their return from the Middle East is marred by a new and unsuspected enemy: discrimination based on ignorance about post-traumatic stress disorder and displaced anger about Iraq.

That’s what led the Legislature to pass Senate Bill 5123, signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire, which 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.

Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, a veteran who saw action in Kosovo and Iraq, 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.

Return to Sen. Hobbs' home page