I am writing regarding the April 12 story “Grandparents strive to be seen.” Signatures are being collected to put Initiative 1431 on the ballot in November that would enable a court to force parents to permit those approved by the court to visit their children. It would enable any third party, in addition to grandparents, that the court deems has a “substantial” relationship with the child to obtain visitation against the parent’s wishes.
The protection of our most vulnerable members of society — our children — is paramount. This type of proposal has been introduced in the legislature at least three times as HB 1934 and HB 1506 in the 63rd legislative session and HB 2193 in the 62nd legislative session, and each time has failed to pass the constitutional test.
The Supreme Court of Washington state has ruled that a fit parent has the right to direct the upbringing of their children, and this change to Washington’s law giving others the right to direct the upbringing of a child would negate that parental right. It is simply an unconstitutional proposal.
Asking the people of Washington to act as a bully for a private citizen in a family squabble reaches a new low. I urge everyone to read the whole initiative and to recognize the role of fit parents in their own children’s lives and refuse to sign any petition to place Initiative 1431 on the ballot.
