www.parentalrights.org
Action Needed in Washington to Preserve Parental Rights
While the Washington State legislature doesn’t reconvene until January 9, many bills have been pre-filed for consideration in the upcoming session. One of these – HB 2193 – poses a threat to parental rights in your state and needs to be opposed.
HB 2193 is a “third party visitation bill” that would allow any person who “has established an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child” to petition the court to grant them visitation rights with that child, even over the objection of fit parents. The bill states that no one can file a petition for visitation if the child lives with two parents who mutually oppose the visitation, but there are still several problems with the bill.
For instance, single parents would be susceptible to such suits, as would a married couple who are separated, for instance, because of an out-of-state job, schooling, or some other reason that takes one parent from the home for an extended period.
In addition, anyone who could show they had a relationship with the child for at least one year through interaction, companionship, and mutuality could petition the court for visitation rights. There is not even a requirement that the person be related to the child.
We believe HB 2193 poses a considerable threat to the traditional right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children by allowing a judge to overrule the decision of a fit parent regarding who can visit with their child. Therefore, ParentalRights.org opposes this bill.
Unfortunately, the bill has been scheduled for public hearing early next week, which suggests it is being “fast-tracked” in the upcoming legislature. We must therefore oppose it right away.
Action Item: Please Call Today!
Please call and email the House Judiciary Committee members listed below and give them this message in your own words:
“I am a concerned voter and tax payer, and I oppose House Bill 2193. This bill interferes with a parent’s fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their child or children. No parent should have to face a court overruling their decision on who visits their child. Allowing anyone who has built up a relationship with the child to petition the court for visitation rights is simply outrageous.
Further, this bill would allow courts to determine visitation even in the case of intact families, jeopardizing family integrity. Please vote against House Bill 2193.”
Also, if you are a constituent of the Representative, be sure to mention that when you call.
House Judiciary Committee Members
Thank you for standing with us to preserve parental rights in the state of Washington!
Sincerely,
Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research
| P.O. Box 1090 Purcellville, VA 20134 * (540)-751-1200 * info@parentalrights.org | 
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