Marriage equality and domestic partnership bills are introduced

OLYMPIA – Legislation aimed at according Washington’s same-sex couples legal rights and protections enjoyed by married couples was introduced in the state Senate and House of Representatives today, with broad support among legislators in both chambers.

“If it’s in the interest of the state of Washington to protect heterosexual unions – and it is – then it’s in the interest of the state to protect same-sex unions, and for all the same reasons,” said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle.

Murray, one of five openly gay state legislators, is joined by Rep. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle, Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, and Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines in offering separate proposals providing marriage equality for same-sex couples and domestic partnership benefits.

“Today, we begin a process of engaging the public about the reality of gay and lesbian families, and the challenges they face in a society that doesn’t legally recognize their relationships,” Murray said.

Pedersen agreed, and added, “The domestic partnership legislation will provide important protections for same-sex couples and seniors, who should not be left vulnerable while the issue of marriage is being debated over the next few years.”

House Bill 1350 and Senate Bill 5335 would offer the same legal protections, rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are currently granted to married couples. The five legislators agreed that it this is the ultimate legislative goal of their efforts to secure similar legal rights for gay and lesbian families. HB 1350 was introduced with 25 co-signatories in the House, where 50 votes are needed for passage. SB 5335 was introduced with 11 co-signatories in the Senate, where 25 votes are needed for passage.

House Bill 1351 and Senate Bill 5336 would create a domestic partnership registry that would be open to same-sex couples and to different sex couples where one partner is over 62.

“The domestic partnership registry provides some immediate protection, and equality and fairness, for same-sex couples,” McDermott said. “Across the state, even in progressive places, couples suffer today without these rights. Such things as hospital visitation should not be a question.”

The bills would offer registered same-sex domestic partners rights in areas such as health care decision-making, hospital visitation, death and inheritance issues, organ donation, and powers of attorney. Senate Bill 5336 was introduced with 19 co-signatories in the Senate. House Bill 1351 was introduced with 55 co-signatories in the House.

Committee hearings for the domestic partnership bill are expected to be scheduled soon in both chambers.

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