04/11/2007
Domestic Partner bill Passes in Washington State
A domestic partner bill for Washington state which passed the Senate last month and passed the House yesterday by a vote of 63-35 is headed to Governor Christine Gregoire who is expected to sign it
According to the Seattle Times, "The legislation would give gay and lesbian couples the right to visit a partner in the hospital, inherit a partner's property without a will and make funeral arrangements, among other things. Those rights also would be extended to unmarried heterosexual couples in which at least one partner is 62 or older. Supporters say older heterosexuals were included because they face the possibility of losing pension rights and Social Security benefits if they remarry.
Last July, the state's highest court ruled that Washington's 'Defense of Marriage Act' did not violate the state's constitution. Proponents of same-sex marriage who suffered a setback then see the domestic partner bill as an important first step to getting marriage rights back on track for gays and lesbians.
Posted 12:15 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, News, Seattle | Permalink
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Fantastic!
Posted by: Chris in Seattle | Apr 11, 2007 12:21:43 PM
Way to go Washington
Posted by: vince | Apr 11, 2007 12:27:32 PM
Two steps forward, one step back, then two forward again. Momentum seems to be moving towards progress ...
Posted by: jeff | Apr 11, 2007 12:38:24 PM
Bridging the gap of inequality with civil union or domestic partnerships laws is as it should be. Let's hope this gets signed into law.
Posted by: Stephen | Apr 11, 2007 12:55:13 PM
As a Washingtonian, let me just say, "Yea!" I can't imagine Gov. Gregoire not signing the bill, but stranger things have happened. I'm sure that the state Supreme Court will be dragged back into the fray at some point.
Posted by: KJ | Apr 11, 2007 1:15:33 PM
And the next stop will be full rights with marriage.
Posted by: daniel | Apr 11, 2007 1:22:08 PM
We'll be registering the first day it is possible!
Posted by: Michael | Apr 11, 2007 3:05:41 PM
It's a small step.
Posted by: Jack! | Apr 11, 2007 3:47:19 PM