(The Center Square) – Spokane Valley Republican Sen. Leonard Christian is not backing down from comments on the Senate floor last week that drew condemnation from some in his own caucus, including the other four Republicans in the 4th Legislative District.
Debating legislation to eliminate a program for people with developmental disabilities as well as a history of violent behavior, Christian argued “we’re putting rapists in with retarded people.”
In a Sunday interview with The Center Square, Leonard said when his staff looked into the details of Substitute House Bill 1390, he was troubled by the goals of the legislation.
SHB 1390, as amended by the Senate, repeals the Community Protection Program and removes all related statutory references effective Jan. 1, 2027. The Developmental Disabilities Administration must develop and implement a plan to transition all CPP participants into other services or programs by Dec. 31, 2026, with the goal of providing less restrictive options.
“If they weren’t developmentally disabled, they’d be in jail for what they did,” Christian told The Center Square.
Supporters of the bill to repeal the program argue there is an inconsistent admittance policy and contend it restricts the civil rights of the participants.
“I asked my staff if the bill was going to put these sexually violent folks in with the community that’s vulnerable, who probably don’t even know what’s happening to them and who don’t quite have the ability to fight back,” Christian explained.
When his staff confirmed that was the intent of the bill, Christian said he began praying about how to respond.
“I get the fact that the program is very restrictive, and in some cases, it really needs to be amended,” he explained. “But there [are] some folks in there who are convicted of some pretty heinous crimes.”
He shared that as the bill moved forward, it wasn’t getting the attention he felt it deserved and he knew he would have to say something when it came to the Senate floor.
“I knew it was just going to get buried. They’ve got the votes,” Christian said of majority party Democrats. “How do I draw attention to this incredibly important topic? And what would you do if somebody you loved was going to be sexually assaulted? You’d pull out all the stops. You’d do everything you can in your power. I came to Olympia to protect the people. And that’s where I came at deciding to cause a little trouble on the floor.”
He said he never meant to disrespect anyone by using the word “retarded.”
“It was to get some attention from the mainstream media on how horrible this bill was, and to say if you had the choice between a hurtful word and physical harm,” Christian said. “It was, was no-brainer.”
After Christian’s comments on the Senate floor Wednesday, Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, rose to speak.
“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 that is wildly unacceptable in our society today,” she said.
Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, referenced Christian’s comments as the Senate took to the floor Thursday.
“There were some comments made during that debate that, frankly, I found offensive … I was frankly saddened to hear them spoken,” he said.
Christian told The Center Square Braun did not inform him before they went to the floor that he was going to make those comments, but said he respects that members feelings and the need to respond to his comments.
Republican representatives from Spokane and Spokane Valley also issued a statement condemning what they termed “inflammatory and insensitive comments” made by Christian.
Reps. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, Jenny Graham, R-Spokane, Suzanne Schmidt, R-Spokane Valley, and Rob Chase, R-Spokane Valley wrote, “We were deeply disappointed to hear the language used during floor debate in the Senate this week regarding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The term used is widely recognized as offensive and hurtful. It does not reflect the respect and dignity that every person deserves, nor does it represent the values we strive to uphold in public service.”
The went on to say, “This would be likened to making child molesters be kindergarten teachers. I mean that should be the word picture that comes to your mind. That’s just that bad of an idea. And I just knew at that point, we must do something. Protect your community. And these people are under the care of Washington state. And I tell you, we haven’t had a real good record of taking care of these people.”
Christian said he has received some emails and phone messages condemning his use of the word, but he has also received many comments thanking him for bringing attention to the bill, including an email from someone who has worked with individuals in the CPP.
“I’m glad you had the guts to be as direct as you were and I am saddened by the performative politics of the people claiming to be offended by your verbiage,” the email said. “The people I used to work with were child predators who very deservedly needed to stay in the program … thank you for standing up and being the voice of reason regarding this.”
