The Third Matthew Shepard Lecture: "In Search of a Philosophical Majority"

The Third Matthew Shepard Lecture: "In Search of a Philosophical Majority", given by State Senator Bill Finkbeiner (Whitman graduate,1991).

Bill Finkbeiner was elected to the State Senate in 1994, 1998 and 2002. His current term expires in January 2007. He was the Senate Republican Leader in 2004-2005. He currently serves on the Transportation, Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protections and Rules Committees.

In 2006, Senator Finkbeiner was the only Republican Senator to vote for
"The Anderson/ Murray Anti-Discrimination Bill" which adds "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and credit. This amendment makes our state the
17th state to pass such laws protecting gays and lesbians.

In 2005, as Republican Senate Minority Leader, Finkbeiner voted against the bill. This year, in discussing his decision to vote for the bill, he made two important statements:

"I've had a number of conversations over the past year that have led me to more fully understand the level of discrimination against gays and lesbians, and I now find it both appropriate and necessary for the state to make it clear that this is not acceptable."

"This issue has become one of many 'wedge' issues used to split our communities and divide us. Real people are affected by this issue:our friends, our co-workers, our family members, our neighbors. I don't agree with the politicization of people's personal lives and I think it is time to move on."

The event will be hosted by Whitman College President George Bridges. The Testostertones will perform.

There will be a reception for Senator Bill Finkbeiner at the Baker Faculty Center from 4:30-6pm.

Both events are free and open to the public.