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WA GOP senator uses slur on Senate floor, doubles down
Senator Christian’s use of an offensive slur during debate on House Bill 1390, which passed 29-20, drew condemnation and sparked discussions on safeguards for vulnerable populations.
- On Wednesday, State Sen. Leonard Christian used an offensive slur while debating House Bill 1390 on the Washington Senate floor, prompting condemnation from lawmakers and advocates.
- House Bill 1390 would eliminate the Community Protection Program that serves more than 400 enrollees as of 2019, with supporters citing its restrictiveness and opponents warning of safety risks.
- During floor debate, Christian said 'We’re putting rapists in with r people,' prompting gasps and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck to tell him to watch his language, coinciding with 'Spread the Word to End the Word' day.
- The Republican caucus met and discussed, and Senate Minority Leader John Braun apologized without naming Christian, who declined to apologize and may lose caucus roles.
- National context shows usage of the slur has grown in recent years, with disability advocates calling the term dehumanizing amid debate and a 2021 Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds report highlighting program coercion.
7 Articles
7 Articles
WA Sen. Leonard Christian sparks backlash over remarks during disability bill debate
Sen. Leonard Christian sparks controversy with remarks during debate on House Bill 1390, seeking to repeal Community Protection Program for individuals with developmental disabilities and histories of violent behavior.
The Columbian
The Seattle TimesWA GOP senator uses slur on Senate floor, doubles down
OLYMPIA — A Republican state senator drew sharp backlash Wednesday after using a slur for people with intellectual disabilities during a Senate floor debate, prompting condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, disability advocates and the chamber’s Republican leader. Read more...
washingtonstatestandard.com
Dailyfly - Lewis Clark Valley NewsWA senator refuses to apologize for inflammatory remark
Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, speaking on the Senate floor on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)A Republican Washington state senator refused to apologize for using an offensive term during floor debate Wednesday to refer to people with developmental disabilities. Debating legislation to eliminate a program for people with developmental disabilities and also a history of violent behavior, Se…
Spokane Valley Sen. Leonard Christian draws rebuke over 'inflaming' remarks in floor speech
State Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, drew rebuke from fellow lawmakers Wednesday afternoon for using a slur for disabled people while debating the merits of a state program that imposes restrictions on those with developmental disabilities who have been charged or convicted of a sexual offense or suspected of being a risk to others.
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