Allowing remote protection order access and service recognizes the urgent need for a responsive protective order system amidst the coronavirus pandemic 

SEATTLE, WA – The Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued the following statement in response to Governor Inslee’s extension of Proclamation 20-45, which protects law enforcement and survivors of abuse, assault, and harassment by allowing protection orders to be filed and served remotely during the coronavirus crisis. 

“We are so grateful for Governor Inslee’s leadership in addressing the risks posed to both survivors and law enforcement as our communities face the COVID-19 crisis and a crisis of domestic violence at once,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “We applaud the courts and law enforcement for their responsive and effective implementation of Proclamation 20-45. We are extremely disappointed in legislative Republicans’ unwillingness to extend the proclamation and thankful for the elected officials and advocates who continued fighting to maintain these lifesaving protections. 

As Washingtonians confront the impacts of the pandemic, the risk of domestic violence and abuse is heightened and access to protection orders is vital. By allowing remote access and service of protection orders, Proclamation 20-45.1 not only ensures access to safety and justice, but also ensures that access is equitable.” 

See our statement on the refusal to extend Proclamation 20-45 here. 

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