WHEREAS, In l910 Washington State distinguished itself by becoming the first state in the twentieth century and the fifth state in the nation to permanently enact women's suffrage; and
     WHEREAS, This right is contained in the 5th Amendment to the Washington State Constitution, which was approved by the all-male Legislature in l909 and by the all-male voters in 1910; and
     WHEREAS, Washington's action inspired and reinvigorated the national suffrage movement, which culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in l920, assuring all women in the nation the right to vote; and
     WHEREAS, 2010 will mark the one hundredth anniversary of women's suffrage in Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, In commemorating the Washington Women's Suffrage Centennial, Washingtonians will be celebrating the basic inclusive principles of democracy, the long and arduous road to achievement of women's suffrage, and the continually expanding roles of women in public and private life; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Women's History Consortium has been charged by the Legislature with providing leadership for statewide and community celebrations of the centennial of women's suffrage; and
     WHEREAS, Public information about the Washington women's suffrage movement and centennial is available today in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate:
     (1) Recognize the centrality of women's suffrage to democratic values; and
     (2) Express appreciation to those who have prepared public exhibits for the Legislative Building; and
     (3) Encourage all to visit, enjoy, and learn from these displays and exhibitors; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington Women's History Consortium.