WHEREAS, by Executive Order 71-02, dated October 20, 1971, the Honorable Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, created the Washington State Women's Council; and

WHEREAS, although the Council, during its several years of existence shows a record of accomplishment as a governmental advocate for women's rights and has gained substantial legislative support as witnessed by action of the 1977 Legislature in providing monetary support and the statutory formation of a Women's Commission; and

WHEREAS, in spite of the record of achievement of the Council and legislative action, Referendum 40 was placed on the November 8, 1977 ballot by petition of the people seeking to negate the creation of a Women's Commission by statute; and

WHEREAS, the vote of the people in the general election of November 8, 1977 was overwhelmingly against the creation of a statutory Women's Commission, thus strongly suggesting that the Women's Council be discontinued; and

WHEREAS, I held a number of meetings with the proponents and opponents of Referendum 40 and with other interested parties; requested and obtained reports from various sources and concluded that the matter of women's rights, per se, can continue to be served by other existing state agencies and by continued efforts at the local level and within the private sector.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dixy Lee Ray, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby rescind and revoke Executive Order 71-02, dated October 20, 1971, effective midnight August 31, 1978 and further direct that the physical properties and all appropriated funds remaining in the hands of the Washington State Women's Council be reverted to the proper authority.

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