||| FROM KRISS KEVORKIAN for LEGAL RIGHTS OF THE SALISH SEA |||
Seattle, WA – The inherent rights of Southern Resident Orcas, including the right to “life, liberty, autonomy, free and safe passage, adequate food supply from naturally occurring sources, and freedom from conditions that cause Orcas’ physical emotional, or mental harm,” have been adopted via a resolution by the Environment and Climate Caucus of the Washington State Democrats on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024.
The passing of the resolution also comes with a request from the caucus to the Washington State Legislature that the legislature adopt and enforce legislation in 2025 and beyond that recognizes and enforces the inherent rights of Southern Resident Orcas.
Legal Rights of the Salish Sea (LRSS) and the Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) are working to secure a legal recognition of the inherent rights of the Southern Resident Orcas in Washington state. Thus far, in addition to the recent ECC decision, five cities and three counties in Washington have adopted proclamations recognizing the inherent rights of Southern Resident Orcas. Depoe Bay, Oregon, and Arcata, CA, have also adopted similar proclamations.
Much respect for those behind this resolution… it’ll be interesting to see what the governor does with it.
Likely, nothing — that’s why it’s a resolution, and not actual law. When we tried to get actual rights of nature law passed in this county, we were not able to. Why? Because everyone knows that doing so would limit the ability of corporations, business, and governments to do and support whatever they want in terms of development and pollution, and no one will stand for that in a world that worships economic growth at all costs.
Great work! Important steps. The Southern Residents must get back what they need, and fast.