Washington Increases Inclusive Legislation With New Bills

It seems as though every day another state has passed a law restricting access to abortion, or life-saving health care for members of the LGBTQ community, specifically transgender youth. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Washington state democratic governor put into motion legal protections for people making the journey there to receive reproductive healthcare, support, and necessary gender-affirming treatment. 

As of late April, Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has been proud to announce his signature on Rep. Drew Hansen’s proposed new ‘Shield Law’, otherwise known as  House Bill 1469, which prevents other states from using Washington courts to prosecute health care providers and patients who are forced to go to Washington to get an abortion, and or gender-affirming care due to their states ban or restriction.

“We knew other states would be creative and aggressive in restricting access to abortion. We also knew that we would need to be creative and aggressive in fighting back,” democratic Rep Hansen informs. “We are committed to using every tool we have available to protect people in Washington from the reach of anti-abortion laws in Texas and elsewhere.” 

Finding more ways to increase protection and security, Washington Senate Bill 5599, talks about shielding transgender and at-risk youth who may be seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care, by removing barriers to safe shelter. 

Under current law, if a runaway minor shows up at a shelter or host home, the organization must notify parents within 24-72 hours. If the Proposed SB 5599 passes, those shelters would need to only notify the state if there is compelling evidence that notifying the guardians would or could subject the child to abuse or neglect.

“This bill is an important step in ensuring young people across the state have a roof over their heads during an already challenging period in their life,” Tells Marko Liias, democratic state senator and prime sponsor of the bill. “While we hope that every child has a supportive family that will provide them with acceptance and the care they need, it’s crucial that we provide housing options to those in crisis.” 

Some are already demonstrating their opposition to the bill. In particular, a group has recently filed a referendum against SB-5599, urging Inslee to consider the feelings and thoughts of the parents more in-depth.

“My message about this bill is (that) it really is an assault on parental rights, an assault on children. Our primary thing with this is that parents won’t be notified with this bill and that’s a really scary thing…” Founder of the Conservative Ladies of Washington, and organizer of the protest against SB-5599 Julie Barrett says. “To have your child potentially go off to a shelter, or a host home and not have any idea where they are, is terrifying.”

It’s an undeniable fact that LGBTQ youth are an overrepresented part of the homeless population. Affirming this, the Trevor Project tells us that 28% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability, resulting in higher rates of suicide, depression, and mental health struggles when compared to those who had stable housing.

“We know that there’s [a] really high risk of mental health [issues] leading up to suicide for this population,” states Liias. “I’ve spoken to young people who have thankfully survived suicide attempts, but who share their stories of how difficult it is to live in environments where they are just not receiving support, but their family members are actively contributing to the unsafe circumstances that led them to that place.”

For many of these kids, even coming out as their authentic selves could warrant mistreatment from those intended to give them protection. Too many have come to accept the fact that if they come out and seek life-saving gender-affirming care, they will be kicked out. With the help of SB-5599, those youth would feel more secure running away when necessary, knowing that they would get the support and encouragement they should have been getting all along.

“We know that young people experiencing homelessness are exposed to dangerous and harmful outcomes. That is why we must take every step we can to ensure their safety,” Liias voices. “This legislation ensures that our trans youth have safe options and access to secure, stable shelter when they may not be welcome at home.” 

Photo courtesy of Twitter