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Everyone in America deserves equal treatment under the law regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression including the right to marry the partner of your choice. The ACLU works for equal rights and legal protections against discrimination and harassment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
U.S. Supreme Court Sends LGBT Discrimination Case Back to WA State Supreme Court for Review
Parent sues employer for denying coverage to transgender son

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Published: 
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who have made the campaign to Approve Referendum 74 one of the largest efforts our state has ever seen.
Published: 
Friday, October 19, 2012
Today is Spirit Day when people across the country wear purple as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying.  
Published: 
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Two weeks ago we brought you news about the four states that have marriage-related ballot initiativesthis fall. As the election quickly approaches, each of the campaigns in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington have begun running television ads that highlight the stories of individuals, religious leaders, and community leaders who support the freedom to marry. These ads show the underlying issue at stake this fall – that marriage, both for straight and gay couples, is about building a life with someone and making a commitment to take care of and love one another.
Published: 
Monday, October 1, 2012
Marriage for same-sex couples is on the ballot in four states this November, and it will be a pivotal moment for the LGBT movement. In Maine, Maryland and Washington voters have the opportunity to expand the freedom to marry to same-sex couples; and Minnesota voters could make that state the first ever to defeat a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.  Even a single ballot box win would change the national debate and would reinforce the polls showing growing majorities across the country that support marriage for committed same-sex couples.
Published: 
Monday, June 18, 2012
Last February, we cheered and cried with our friends and allies when Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill that grants civil marriage to all loving, committed same-sex couples. But even as we celebrated, we knew that the opponents of marriage equality would continue to fight. Washington law allows the opponents of a piece of legislation to take their case to the voters by gathering enough signatures to place a referendum on the ballot. A “yes” vote on the referendum is a vote to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.  A “no” vote on the referendum is a vote to exclude same-sex couples from marriage."
News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Thurston County Superior Court judge today approved ballot title language for Referendum 74, a measure that asks voters to approve or reject the law permitting civil marriage for same-sex couples passed by the 2012 Legislature.
Published: 
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Two years ago, Michelle DeShane wanted to add her partner Mitch, a transgender man, to the housing voucher she receives to find affordable housing. The local housing authority in Richland refused and told her that the couple did not meet its definition of a “family.” Then it referred the DeShanes to a neighboring housing authority, because, as they were apparently told, that housing authority “accepts everyone – even Martians.”
Published: 
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine’s Day came a day early in Washington state. Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill making Washington the seventh state to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. Our state’s leaders have recognized that the relationships of all loving, committed couples need to be treated with the same respect under state law. Join us in celebrating this historic occasion by raising a toast tonight at 6:00 wherever you are.
News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It’s an early Valentine’s Day! With a 55-43 vote, the Washington House has joined the Senate in approving the bill making civil marriage available to all loving, committed couples. The Governor is signing the bill today at 11:30.
News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A former student who endured severe and persistent harassment throughout junior high and high school has gained a major settlement from the Aberdeen School District. The ACLU has represented Russell Dickerson III in a lawsuit saying that school district officials were aware of the harassment but failed to take steps reasonably calculated to end it.

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