Jerry Cornfield’s latest column, “Hateful speech rhetoric ramps up,” is poorly researched and misleading. The column discusses Initiative 1515, an initiative that aims to repeal Washington’s current non-discrimination protections.

While Cornfield accuses opponents of the initiative of using hateful speech, he fails to mention the harassment and intimidation tactics promoted by initiative backers. I-1515 chair, Joseph Backholm, has instructed male supporters to gather signatures outside of women’s restrooms and follow women into the restroom if they refuse to sign I-1515.

King County Sheriff John Urquhart and Attorney General Bob Ferguson have both released public statements condemning Backholm’s comments. It’s not surprising that leading anti-violence organizations such as the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence also oppose I-1515, but what is perplexing is that Cornfield thinks opponents should stay quiet in wake of the violent speech.

Furthermore, Cornfield mischaracterizes the debate at hand. Cornfield repeatedly refers to this as a debate about “sexual identity” when, in actuality, it centers around gender identity.

The distinction between gender identity and sexual identity is no small one. When discussing standards produced by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, teaching kindergartners about sexual identity has a wildly different meaning than teaching them about gender expression.

I appreciate that the Mercer Island Reporter has created a space in which to discuss this important issue, but would hope that reporters use accurate terms going forward.

Osta Davis

Mercer Island