Washington Dems want a convicted sex offender to serve on a state advisory board

Washington Democrats recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would require a convicted sex offender to serve on a state advisory board.

House Bill 2177, introduced earlier this month, would change the name of the "Sex Offender Policy Board" to the "Sex Offense Policy Board" in an attempt to destigmatize convicted rapists by doing away with the term "sex offender."

According to SOPB staffer Whitney Hunt, the board seeks to adopt a "person-first language" approach.

"This bill incorporates recommendations the board has previously indicated its support for regarding the use of person-first language," Hunt said last week, WPDE reported. "This change aligns with best practices and research and encompasses all the individuals involved and impacted by the sex offense management system, including victims."

The proposed bill, sponsored by Democratic state Representatives Tarra Simmons and Rodger Goodman, proposes increasing the SOPB membership from 13 to 17. It would require "a representative from a community-based organization advocating for persons convicted of sex offenses," "a representative with lived experience with incarceration for a sex offense," and "a representative with lived experience as the victim of a sex offense" to serve on the board. It also adds a membership position for a member belonging to an Indian tribe to sit on the advisory panel.

SOPB chair Brad Meryhew stated that the board aims to add "as many diverse voices as we can."

"One of the things that we try very hard to do on the board is to facilitate as many diverse voices as we can at the table," Meryhew continued. "The first thing that we talk about and we always focus on in our discussion is community safety, the victim's perspective, which is why the people who have committed these offenses look for redemption and look for a better world for themselves and for others."

Alex Mayo, a member of a local sex offender advocacy group, claimed that adding a sex offender to the board would add "a much-needed perspective," WPDE reported.

"For far too long our public policy has treated people who have offended sexually as though they will never be able to control their actions, as though they are moments away from reoffending," Mayo said. "This simply is not true."

During a House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry hearing, Simmons condemned the stigmatization of convicted sex offenders.

"I think that we all do better when we have a diverse legislature. That's why I'm here," Simmons said. "And I'm proud to be here. I think I bring some lived experience that was missing from here. And while some people may have a stigma for people who have committed a sex offense, I think they have invaluable information to share that can really guide this board."

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