New WA Law Dubbed ‘Forced Outing’ Measure Sparks Legal Battle

A parental rights law that takes effect in June is the focus of a lawsuit filed by youth services and civil rights groups calling the law a "forced outing" measure.

MANY PARENTS TRAVELED TO OLYMPIA TO VOICE SUPPORT FOR THE BILL THAT GIVES PARENTS RIGHTS

Parents all around the state backed the bill and urged lawmakers to pass it to give them a voice in their children's lives. The law, known as initiative 2081 requires school officials to contact parents before any medical services are offered to students and it allows parents to look at their children's counseling and medical records at school. The bill was supported by the democratically controlled legislature however some lawmakers were strongly against the measure.

CRITICS SAY IT "OUTS" STUDENTS WHO DON'T WANT PARENTS TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING

They say the new law will put the spotlight and could impact students who look for help with birth control, reproductive or abortion services, counseling about sexual orientation or gender identity. Critics say the law exposes some students who want privacy even from parents.

IT'S A DEBATE THAT INFURIATES SOME PARENTS IN WA STATE

It highlights the ongoing debate going on in the country about just how much information parents are allowed to know about their own children. Many parents have been calling for more access to information taught to students and more of a voice in school districts.
State officials say those under 18-years-old in Washington state do not need parents permission to have an abortion and they can also get tested for sexually transmitted diseases without asking a parent.

SO WHO FILED THE SUIT?

Plaintiffs in the suit, filed in King County Superior Court include the South Whidbey School District, a parent from Seattle, a psychiatric nurse from West Seattle and organizations who support LGBTQ+ rights in Washington State.