FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
N.O.P.E. APPLAUDS WASHINGTON STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY FOR
OFFICIALLY OPPOSING INITIATIVE 677
"We were very pleased to see that the Washington State Republican Party had the
courage to oppose Initiative 677 by an overwhelming vote of their Central Committee on
Saturday at their meeting in Vancouver," stated Bob Larimer, spokesman for the
N.O.P.E. on 677 committee. Larimer added, "Their vote sends a loud wake-up message to
voters that this Initiative is not harmless."
Supporters of I-677 say the measure is simply about stopping discrimination against
homosexuals in the workplace. The N.O.P.E. on 677 committee strongly disputes this
assertion. Larimer points out that the definition of "sexual orientation" in Initiative 677
includes "real or PERCEIVED" sexual orientation. In addition Larimer says that I-677
includes ANY type of sexual orientation -- not even predatory sexual orientations are
excluded from special rights and protections in the workplace! Larimer predicts, "Schools
and daycare centers will face a dilemma of choices -- whether to protect children from
predatory sexual orientations or face workplace lawsuits. If a public school employee sues
their school district over discrimination under the terms of I-677, then the taxpayers will
foot the bill."
The N.O.P.E. spokesman believes I-677 will be used in the workplace as a threat to push
an agenda using lawsuits. He continued, "If a disgruntled homosexual employee or job
applicant files a frivolous lawsuit (which can range upwards to $80,000 these days), an
innocent employer may not survive the financial hit and co-workers may suffer job or wage
losses. It's interesting to note that homosexuals are higher paid and higher educated than
the average general population. You can't give special legal protections based on
homosexuality or any other sexual orientation and at the same time step on other people's
rights. This thing is a can of worms."
Larimer said he applauds the Washington State Republican Party for having the courage
to help expose the flaws of Initiative 677, so that voters won't be fooled by the
anti-discrimination rhetoric from supporters of the measure.
For more information, contact Ginger Hartman at 360-805-1217.