Other Languages FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Statement from Attorney General Bob Ferguson regarding signature gathering tactics:
“I recently heard comments from Joseph Backholm, a chief supporter of Initiative 1515. Mr. Backholm encouraged male signature gatherers to loiter outside women’s restrooms and to follow women into the restroom if they refuse to sign I-1515 petitions. I find these comments deeply concerning, and I join King County Sheriff John Urquhart in urging signature gatherers not to follow this ridiculous direction.
“State law does not allow a man to follow a woman into a women’s bathroom to harass her for a petition signature. Entering spaces like bathrooms in order to make people feel trapped, threatened, or unsafe is inappropriate and likely a violation of our state criminal trespass or harassment laws. Particularly in light of the horrific violence targeting the LGBT and Latino communities in Orlando, Fla., I condemn statements urging purposeful efforts to make any community member feel threatened.
“The Attorney General’s Office encourages anyone who is followed into a public restroom by a signature gatherer to contact their local law enforcement immediately.”
The AGO’s Frequently Asked Questions about Civil Rights and Gender-Segregated Facilities is available here.