June 10, 2005 ♦ Edition 5

We must ensure that all citizens enjoy equal protection under the law. Diversity is what keeps the Democratic Party strong and I am proud to be a member of a Party committed to equality. It is vital that we continue to persevere on these ideals for our children and the future. This edition of the Ferguson Flyer offers you more information on my commitment to our shared Democratic values on civil rights and social justice issues.

If you have any questions about my campaign, please email me at bob@electbobferguson.com or call me at home at 206-523-7245.

See you on your doorstep!

My Commitment to Civil Rights

I am proud that I co-sponsored measures to update the Civil Rights Ordinance with Democrats Larry Gossett and Dow Constantine last year. We proposed updating local anti-discrimination laws to ensure all King County citizens enjoy equal protection for employment, housing, public accommodation, and contracts.

Our package includes:

• Creating gender identity as a protected class.

• Requiring all employers in unincorporated King County to comply with anti-discrimination laws.

• Allowing a person alleging discrimination to choose to file a complaint with the King County Office of Civil Rights or directly in court.

• Expanding the coverage of anti-discrimination to public accommodations operated by King County.

Unfortunately, our proposal has yet to come to a vote, even though similar laws exist in Tacoma and Seattle. These changes are overdue. I believe that the King County Council must show a commitment to equality by taking action to amend our civil rights ordinances now. I pledge to reintroduce this proposal and will push for final approval by the Council and enactment by the King County Executive this year.

My commitment to civil rights and social justice issues began long before I served on the Council. My previous work experience includes representing death-row inmates, volunteering for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, working for a Federal Defender office, and representing Yaqui Indians in Guadalupe, Arizona.

LABOR DONATED