One vote short for civil rights

The Legislature has spent decades debating simple gay-rights legislation, always to be rebuffed by one vote or maneuver that prevents passage.

The 2006 session should be different. It will be if one senator, Republican Bill Finkbeiner, can muster the courage to vote for the bill.

The gay-rights bill would make a basic change that adds sexual orientation to Washington anti-discrimination laws regarding housing, employment and financial transactions.

"Of course, a good employee should not be discriminated against," says state Rep. Ed Murray of Seattle, longtime sponsor of the bill. "In the new economy, talent can go anywhere and it is clear that talent goes where there is tolerance."

Finkbeiner said in the past he did not believe the bill confers special rights, and he is correct.

It may seem unfair to single out one senator, but legislating can be that way. The House passed the gay-rights bill several times and is expected to do so again in 2006. That puts the focus on the Senate, where Democrats hold a narrower majority.

Finkbeiner, who represents Redmond, Kirkland and rural parts of King County, voted twice for gay-rights legislation when he served in the House as a Democrat.

Finkbeiner was Senate minority leader until stepping down recently to spend more time at work and with family. That decision probably has nothing to do with the gay-rights bill but it could free him to vote his conscience.