MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO INITIATIVE 1515 
Adopted June 28, 2016 
Text of Motion 
The Port Commission of the Port of Seattle supports the Washington Won't Discriminate campaign
and joins hundreds of community, labor, and business leaders in opposition to Initiative 1515. 
Statement of Support 
The Port of Seattle seeks to create jobs and conduct business with the highest ethical standards, to
honor the community, and to embrace the richness of a diverse workplace. 
The Port of Seattle created the Office of Social Responsibility, which is a catalyst for equity and
social change throughout the Port and the community. 
The tragedy in Orlando underscores the importance for us to publicly reaffirm these long-standing
commitments and to support our transgender friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.
For ten years Washington's anti-discrimination laws have protected our transgender friends, family,
coworkers, and neighbors from discrimination on the job, in housing, and in public places. 
Seventy-five percent of Fortune 500 companies have anti-discrimination policies that explicitly
cover gender identity. 
Passage of I-1515 would take away Washington's anti-discrimination protections that for ten years
have protected transgender men and women from unfair discrimination. 
Passage of I-1515 could result in violation of federal law and could jeopardize up to $4.5 billion per
year in federal funding for our state's schools and other vital services according to the Williams
Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law. 
The passing of the similar House Bill 2 in North Carolina has led to significant economic costs
including over $3.1 million lost to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau alone, with
an additional $44 million in convention bookings at risk. 
I-1515 could  drive away billions in economic development from businesses, tourism,  and
conventions. 
Passage of  I-1515 will have  unintended consequences for the privacy and safety of all
Washingtonians and would lead to more discrimination, harassment, and invasions of privacy in
public areas. 
I-1515 invites costly lawsuits against our schools, state and local governments, and businesses.