Washington State Constitution

The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of our state. It explains the government's structure and powers, as well as the people's rights.

Adoption date

October 1, 1889

Documents

Washington State Constitution (PDF 1.85 Megabytes)

Preface

This Constitution was framed by a convention of seventy-five delegates, chosen by the people of the Territory of Washington at an election held May 14, 1889, under section 3 of the Enabling Act. The convention met at Olympia on the fourth day of July, 1889, and adjourned on the twenty-second day of August, 1889. The Constitution was ratified by the people at an election held on October 1, 1889, and on November 11, 1889, in accordance with section 8 of the Enabling Act, the president of the United States proclaimed the admission of the State of Washington into the Union.

Sections

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ARTICLE XXXI. SEX EQUALITY - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION 1. EQUALITY NOT DENIED BECAUSE OF SEX

Equality of rights and responsibility under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.

SECTION 2. ENFORCEMENT POWER OF LEGISLATURE

The legislature shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. [AMENDMENT 61, 1972 House Joint Resolution No. 61, p 526. Approved November, 1972.]

NOTES:

The name of this Article and the captions have been supplied by the reviser.