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Transgender bathroom rule to get hearing in Yakima

OLYMPIA – Protesters gathered on the Capitol steps last February to denounce a rule that transgender people can use public restrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity rather than their anatomy. (Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jim Camden jimc@spokesman.com(509) 879-7461
OLYMPIA – Protesters gathered on the Capitol steps last February to denounce a rule that transgender people can use public restrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity rather than their anatomy. (Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review)

A rule adopted late last year that people can use public restrooms and other facilities in Washington based on their gender identity will be reviewed by a joint legislative committee next month in Yakima.

The rule, adopted by the Human Rights Commission as in line with the state laws against gender discrimination, touched off a rash of protests early this year and several legislative bills that would have changed it. None passed, and only one received a vote in the full Senate.

An opponent of the new rule, Rebecca Faust, of Shelton, Washington, filed a request with the Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee, which can determine whether a rule adopted by a state agency is within that agency’s authority. Faust previously asked Gov. Jay Inslee to repeal the rule, but he refused saying all residents have a right to be free of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The committee, which meets infrequently, has a two Democrats and two Republicans from each chamber, with Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, as the chairman. It scheduled a meeting for 1 p.m. June 9 at the Educational Service District 105 office in Yakima.