WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today on “Initiative 1515” in Washington State, which would overturn the state’s regulations ensuring equal access to restrooms and other facilities for the LGBT community.
“It’s time to recognize the connection between policies that target the LGBT community, and the violence and discrimination towards LGBT individuals. The referendum in Washington State to undo transgender protections has the same intent that North Carolina’s HB 2 had: to demean and demoralize people who are simply being themselves. This effort will leave an already vulnerable population wide open for attack. In the wake of the horrific mass shooting targeting Latin night at Pulse, an LGBT night club in Orlando, and after North Carolina’s embrace of intolerance, the State of Washington has the chance to set a different example for all of America to see. It’s time to say enough is enough.”
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