The I-1515 campaign was scheduled to meet with the Secretary of State Friday morning to hand over signatures to put the anti-transgender initiative on Washington’s November ballot.

But in a late-night maneuver, the I-1515 campaign quietly cancelled their 9AM appointment—thereby indicating defeat.

I-1515 will not qualify for the ballot, and non-discrimination protections will remain on the books, as they have been for more than ten years, to protect transgender Washingtonians and their families from unfair treatment and harm.

As the news became public, Seth Kirby, chair of the Washington Won’t Discriminate No On I-1515 campaign, released a statement touching on his personal stake in this fight: “As a transgender man, I’m encouraged that voters didn’t buy the pitch that repealing our state’s non-discrimination protections for transgender people would somehow make everyone safer…everyone in our state should be able to earn a living, frequent a business, earn an education, and raise a family free from the fear of discrimination.”

In a matter of mere months, the No On I-1515 campaign mobilized thousands of grassroots supporters and united an unprecedented coalition of transgender Washingtonians and their families, more than 150 businesses, hundreds of faith leaders, education advocates and more behind the simple notion that discrimination has no place in our state.

“Washingtonians have sent a clear message – we won’t discriminate.” -No On I-1515 campaign chair, Seth Kirby

The strength of the campaign is a natural extension of the strength of Washington communities, which are dedicated to ensuring all of their members are treated fairly and equally under the law.

Today marks an important victory that is certain to lay important groundwork as battles like this one continue to crop up across the nation. As campaign chair, Seth Kirby, said: “Washingtonians have sent a clear message – we won’t discriminate.”

And Washington has set a powerful example for the rest of America on how to build more prosperous, inclusive, and welcoming communities for all.