WA senator refuses to apologize for inflammatory remark

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 743

Last Updated: 5 days, 3 hours ago

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A Republican Washington state senator refused to apologize for using an offensive term during floor debate Wednesday to refer to people with developmental disabilities.

Debating legislation to eliminate a program for people with developmental disabilities and also a history of violent behavior, Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, argued “we’re putting rapists in with retarded people.”

The comment drew immediate criticism and tears on the Senate floor. The Senate Republican leader on Thursday apologized for Christian’s …

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