Governor signs domestic partnership expansion into law

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation to help domestic partners achieve financial security.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen and Sen. Ed Murray, both D-Seattle, sponsored the House and Senate versions of the proposal. Taking effect 90 days after the legislative session ends, House Bill 3104 will provide registered domestic partners with additional rights and responsibilities in ten major areas.

“Lesbian and gay families deserve equal rights, not more rights, equal rights. Just a couple of years ago, financial, legal and discrimination protections for same-sex couples was a contentious issue. That has changed. We saw a broad willingness to move forward this year, and the with the governor’s signature today, Washington takes another significant step forward,” Murray said.

The legislation focuses on community property, probate protections, joint responsibility for debts, protection from having to sell the family home to pay for nursing home costs, veterans benefits, and spousal testimonial privileges. It also requires partners of elected officials to follow public disclosure requirements.

"Less than two years ago, the Washington Supreme Court said that it was up to the Legislature to decide whether same-sex couples and their families enjoyed any legal recognition or protection," Pedersen said. "I am amazed and proud at how far we have come since then."

Since the domestic partner registry began in July 2007, more than 3,500 couples have registered in every legislative district in the state.

“This year we as Washingtonians can, and we as a community should, take pride in the establishment of fair, commonsense principles to further strengthen domestic-partnership rights and benefits for same-sex couples,” Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, said.

"The expansion of the domestic partnership program this year is another step towards full equality for all Washington families. We should still remember, though, that our work on this isn't finished, the bill that Gov. Gregoire signed today continues the effort. I'm thankful for and applaud her support," Sen. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, said.

"Today Washington has taken another step towards recognizing equality for all,” Rep. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, said. “This is a great day for civil rights, and a great day for families across the state.”

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