Washington law bans discrimination due to race, sex, religion, national origin and karaoke ability. People have been trying to add sexual orientation to the list for over 25 years. This year, for the first time, the bill reached the floor of the state Senate.

Where it lost by one lousy vote. One lousy voter, a Democrat of sorts, defended his action: “I believe homosexuality is wrong. Therefore, I cannot give governmental protection of that behavior.” His no vote gave governmental protection to bigotry, a behavior many of us homosexuals believe is wrong — but we’re not worth protecting, so what the heck do we know?

The story didn’t end with the defeat of the bill. Indeed, a new story took wing and continues to deposit droppings on Washingtonians’ heads. Microsoft, a Washington behemoth, took a neutral stance on the bill, though it endorsed similar versions in the past. Turned out a local preacher had met with the company and threatened to organize a boycott if it supported the gay rights bill. He also wanted two Microsoft employees who had testified for the bill as individuals fired. And roasted and quartered and served with a teriyaki sauce at the company’s Redmond headquarters.

Microsoft said it had already decided to be neutered, I mean neutral, on the issue, because it wanted to take stands only on matters directly impacting its business. But Rev. Ken Hutcherson boasted he’s the reason Microsoft’s position went from whole to skim.

Bill Gates and other company chiefs have been shocked by the anger of gays in the state and within Microsoft. The brilliant Gates pulled an Inspector Clouseau this time. People feel betrayed. Microsoft’s internal policies are famously gay-friendly; it supported the bill in the past; it has just a smidge of influence in places like the state capitol; and the bill would impact the company, as it would make Washington a better place to live for tech-savvy gays.

Microsoft deserves the heat it’s getting, whichever way it arrived at its neutral stance. But we mustn’t forget to give discredit where it’s due: it was those senators who hung us out to dry. Wimpy Philistines.

After Microsoft’s part became known, some agitated for a boycott. Microsoft is everywhere. Boycotting it would be about as easy as boycotting air. I wonder how Hutcherson would’ve pulled off a boycott. I imagine he would’ve made God his new internet provider.

Some were so put out by Hutcherson, they decided to visit his church. The stated purpose was to talk to his congregants and put a human face on “gay.” Gay listservs buzzed with emails saying go for it, or it won’t make a bit of difference, or I wouldn’t want people invading my house of worship.

On that Sunday, about 30 brave souls were denied entry until they removed their rainbow armbands and promised not to bother church members. Then they went in and staged a drag show.

Nah. They sat down and tried to talk with the people around them. I think that’s a constructive use of their anger. In a newspaper profile, Hutcherson, who’s African-American and grew up in the South, said he used to hate white people. Seems to me swapping one group to hate for another isn’t so constructive.

After I finished drafting this column, the news broke that Microsoft pledges to support the legislation next time. Hoo-ray! The geeks are back on the side of the angels.

And over in eastern Washington, Spokane Mayor Jim West, a Republican opponent of gay rights, claimed he’s innocent of allegations he molested boys, but admitted he has sex with men.

Slow down, Washington! I can’t quilt this fast.