Manweller urges repeal of new rule

MOSES LAKE — A recent ruling by the Washington State Human Rights Commission allows people to use restrooms and locker rooms based on gender “identity” and not anatomy.

That has some lawmakers in Olympia fuming, including 13th District Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg.

“It isn’t out of the ordinary to come across rules and regulations in Olympia that lack common sense and go too far, but a rule telling private businesses they have to let men in women’s bathrooms is the epitome of government overreach and a cry for state agency oversight,” Manweller said last week.

The commission ruling allows individuals the use of gender-segregated facilities, such as restrooms, locker rooms and dressing rooms that are consistent with that individual’s gender expression or gender identity.

“That means if a man ‘identifies’ as a woman, he is allowed to use the women’s restroom or locker room,” Manweller said. “Do parents want boys in the girls’ locker room at Moses Lake or Ellensburg High School? Gender sensitivity is one thing, but to allow boys and girls access to each other’s locker room is inane.

“That’s what happens when you have an unelected commission, all appointed by one political party, mostly from the greater Seattle area, making public policy for the rest of the state,” Manweller added. “This rule does not reflect the views of my district. I have heard numerous concerns about privacy and public safety.”

Manweller is working with a group of legislators to repeal the rule through the legislative process.