State senator uses offensive term for developmentally disabled people

According to The Washington State Standard, Republican Leonard Christian made the remark during a debate on House Bill 1390, which would end a program for developmentally disabled people who have violent histories, or who have been charged with or convicted of sex offenses or violent crimes.

“We’re putting rapists in with retarded people,” Christian said.

The remark drew an immediate warning from Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, who was presiding over the Senate.

“Language, Senator Christian, language,” Heck said.

“I guess I need a list of words I cannot say,” Christian said. “That would be very helpful.”

When Christian finished his remarks, Democrat Noel Frame addressed the Senate in tears.

“I am so emotional at this moment because I cannot believe a member of this body would feign outrage about caring for disabled people after using such an offensive term,” Frame said.

On Thursday, Christian told The Washington State Standard he “probably could’ve looked for a better word.”

But he then said that his comment was clear and used the word again.

On Thursday, the Senate Republican leader apologized for Christian’s remarks and said a possible reprimand was being considered, the Standard reported.

The Senate passed the bill on a 29–20 vote.

Stacy Dym, Executive Director of The Arc of Washington State, released the following statement in response to Senator Christian’s comment:

“It is appalling that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities must witness the use of such dehumanizing language by their elected official, especially as the legislature is already considering sweeping $30 million cuts to disability services and eliminating coverage of essential physical and occupational therapies for all Medicaid recipients. The Senator’s comments are unacceptable in all contexts, and they unfortunately contribute to the further erosion of the humanity of people with developmental disabilities who deserve to live and work as valued members of their communities.

“Although the R-word was introduced as a neutral medical term for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities over sixty years ago, it quickly became a cruel insult that carried the painful weight of discrimination, harassment, stigma, and prejudice. Language matters, especially from our leaders, and this word is no longer acceptable to use outside of historical documents.

“If the legislature truly wants to prioritize the humanity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they should pay close attention to what’s in their budgets and their current proposal to effectively shut the front door on disability services in Washington state.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.