Reps. Dan Griffey and Travis Couture aren’t pulling punches after House Democrats shut down debate and blocked multiple Republican amendments to improve Senate Bill 5181, including one that would have guaranteed students access to single-sex locker rooms and showers in Washington schools.
“This isn’t about politics – it’s about basic privacy and respect,” said Griffey, R-Allyn. “Students shouldn’t be forced into uncomfortable situations because Olympia bureaucrats are pushing an agenda. But Democrats didn’t just vote against us – they shut us up before we could finish making the case.”
Griffey’s proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 5181 would have required schools to provide same-sex facilities by default while still offering accommodations for transgender students. Democrats rejected the amendment and several others before using a controversial new rule to end debate altogether. That rule, passed by House Democrats at the start of session, scrapped a 132-year precedent requiring a supermajority to cut off debate. Now, a simple majority shuts it down.
“They rigged the rules to muzzle the minority,” said Couture, R-Allyn. “Then they rejected multiple common-sense amendments that parents across the state support – and silenced us on the final amendment to remove an emergency clause that strips the people’s right to a referendum. Then again on final passage. It’s cowardly.”
House Republicans introduced over a dozen proposals to protect students and empower parents – all tied to SB 5181, one of two Democrat-backed bills that gut Initiative 2081, the parental rights law passed by the Legislature just last year.
Among the blocked amendments: a ban on biological males in girls’ competitive sports and Couture’s measure requiring schools to notify parents if they allow minors to excuse themselves from class without parental consent.
“Transitioning students who are biological males cannot be permitted in all-girls sports leagues because it’s dangerous,” said Griffey. “It also gives them an unfair advantage. We’ve already seen that in Washington, and it’s led to legal action. This is common sense, and Democrats tossed it out.”
Couture’s proposal to require parental notification over self-excused absences came in response to a little-known but widespread practice in Washington schools.
“We did the research, and of the 280 district manuals we found, over 80% — or 229 school districts in Washington — let students under 18 excuse themselves,” Couture said. “That blew my mind – and the minds of every parent I’ve talked to. It’s outrageous. It’s dangerous. It could be deadly. All we asked was for parents be told if this policy was in place. Democrats said no. That puts every kid at risk.”
He added: “I urge every parent with a student in Washington’s K-12 schools to ask their district if they allow self-excused absences. Ask now – before it’s too late.”
Griffey and Couture say they’re not backing down.
“This is bigger than one bill,” said Griffey. “It’s about whether the people’s voice matters. Right now, House Democrats are making sure it doesn’t.”
Watch Rep. Griffey fight for single-sex locker rooms in public schools
Watch Rep. Couture push for single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools