Hands Off Washington (Organization). Whatcom County Coalition Council

Hands Off Washington (HOW) was a project of the Washington Citizens for Fairness (WCF) that existed from 1993 to 1997.

WCF, a state-wide organization, was a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations with the specific aim of preserving the civil rights of all Washington citizens. HOW was created specifically to oppose initiatives 608 and 610, which sought to limit protection for Washington citizens against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Hands Off Washington, Whatcom County Coalition Council was a county branch of the state-wide HOW campaign, although by 1995 the branch incorporated campaign efforts in both Whatcom and Skagit counties. Branch activities included strategic planning, fundraisers, and a public education campaign to counteract the proposed initiatives, which ultimately failed to receive the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot. HOW also opposed similar initiatives, 166 and 167, proposed the following year. In 1995, HOW mobilized a unsuccessful campaign to put their own gay rights initiative on the ballot. Two years later, HOW proposed initiative 677, a measure aiming to ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. This initiative was put on the ballot, voted on by Washington citizens, and defeated. Unlike earlier defensive measures, this proactive approach received mixed support from the gay and lesbian community in the state. After this defeat, HOW ceased to be and changed their name to Equality Washington.

From the description of Hands Off Washington, Whatcom County Coalition Council records, 1988-1996 1994-1995. (Western Washington University). WorldCat record id: 86085054

Hands Off Washington (HOW) was a project of the Washington Citizens for Fairness (WCF) which lasted from 1993 to 1997. WCF, a state-wide organization, was a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations with the specific aim of preserving the civil rights of all Washington citizens. HOW was created to specifically oppose initiatives 608 and 610, which sought to limit the rights of Washington citizens and legalize discrimination based on sexual orientation. Quoting from the official ballot summaries:

Initiative 608, sponsored by the Equal Rights, Not Special Rights Committee. “This measure would prohibit the state of Washington and its political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing any law or policy that grants protection against discrimination or that recognizes or provides any benefit, right, standing, or privilege to homosexuals or other persons on the basis of sexual orientation. This measure also would bar common schools, their employees, volunteers, and guests from discussing or presenting homosexuality, bisexuality, transexuality, or transvestism as appropriate, positive, or healthy in any respect.” -Initiate 608 Summary, 1994-03-29

Initiative 610, was sponsored by the Citizens Alliance of Washington. “This measure would prohibit governments from according rights, status or protection from discrimination based on homosexuality; from expending funds through governmental or educational institutions to promote, approve, or present homosexuality as a positive, healthy, or acceptable condition; from recognizing same-sex marriages and gender change alterations; and from awarding homosexuals custody of their own or other children in adoption or other child custody proceedings. The measure would grant enforcement standing to residents and non-profit entities.” -Initiative 610 Summary, 1994-03-29

Hands Off Washington Whatcom County Coalition Council was a county branch of the state-wide HOW project. Originally, this branch encompassed only Whatcom County, but in 1995, it incorporated both Whatcom and Skagit Counties. This branch contributed to the statewide effort to oppose discriminatory initiatives and prevent them from getting on the ballot. Through community involvement, strategic planning, fundraisers, and a public education campaign, the initiatives never received the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot. Initiatives 608 and 610 reappeared a year later as initiatives 166 and 167 only to fail for a second time, like their predecessors. In 1995, HOW mobilized a campaign to put their own gay rights initiative on the ballot. However, it was shot down by legislators who claimed it was unconstitutional for citizens to vote on the civil rights of a minority. This right, opponents claimed, should be reserved for legislators. Two years later, HOW proposed another initiative, 677, which would have banned employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. This initiative, however, was voted on by Washington citizens and defeated. Unlike earlier defensive measures, this proactive approach received mixed support from the gay and lesbian community throughout the state. After this defeat, HOW ceased to be and changed their name to Equality Washington.

From the guide to the Hands Off Washington, Whatcom County Coalition Council records, 1988-1996, 1994-1995, (Western Washington University Heritage Resources)