Amendment to make King County Charter gender neutral sent to voters

July 11, 2016

Summary

The Council’s adoption of the legislation places the charter amendment on the November 8 general election ballot.

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today approved sending to the voters in November a proposed charter amendment to replace gender-specific language in the King County Charter and the King County Code with gender neutral language.

“Today’s action will allow voters the opportunity to ensure the language of the King County Charter is inclusive and does not reflect bias,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the prime sponsor of the ordinance.

“Words carry weight and guide us in our practice and policy making,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “The voters will now have the opportunity to change the wording of the county’s ‘constitution’ to reflect our changing world.”

“It’s now up to the citizens of King County to decide whether to update our charter and code,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “I trust their judgment.”

If adopted by the voters, the proposed charter amendment would adjust identifications in the County Charter such as “Councilman” and “Chairman,” to gender-specific neutral terms such as “Councilmember” and “Chair.”

The Council’s adoption of the legislation places the charter amendment on the November 8 general election ballot.