The Family Policy Institute of Washington has honored Sen. Mike Padden for consistently standing up at the state Capitol for matters of conscience regardless of the political environment.

At its 2014 annual dinner Friday the Lynnwood-based organization recognized Padden’s efforts with its annual William Wilberforce Statesmanship Award. Wilberforce, a Christian activist and member of the English Parliament, was instrumental in persuading the British Empire to abolish its slave trade, in 1807, and slavery as a whole in 1833.

“William Wilberforce was an example of someone who commits to a cause long before it is necessarily popular, and over the course of time sees progress,” explained Joseph Backholm, executive director of the institute, which works to create public policy that recognizes and respects the significance and sanctity of the family.

“Senator Padden has fought for those same timeless values, defending the defenseless even when success is far from certain. This year in particular he led the way on some really important issues out of conviction, not necessarily political expediency. We think that sets an example for every legislator and hope many more will follow it.”

Padden, R-Spokane Valley, said he is gratified by the honor and appreciates the FPIW’s steadfast work on behalf of families.

“There are times in Olympia when it seems like an uphill battle for those of us who believe in defending life and supporting the vulnerable of society: the unborn, disabled, sick and elderly. That’s when I draw strength from the Family Policy Institute and others who are unwavering in their support,” he said.

Backholm credited Padden, chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, with four particularly notable legislative accomplishments this year. One was the first legislative-committee vote since 1998 in favor of a parental-rights measure requiring that parents be notified in advance should their underage daughter arrange an abortion. The others had to do with sidelining legislation: a bill that would require insurance carriers in Washington to cover abortions if they also cover maternity care; another measure to ban sexual orientation-change therapy in certain situations; and what became known as the “webcam-abortion” bill.

“Senator Padden doesn’t put his finger into the air to figure out which way the wind is blowing,” said Backholm. “His commitment is to the cause, and that kind of statesmanship needs to be honored.”