OLYMPIA, WA -- The Washington Legislature has approved a domestic partnership
bill that extends property and family rights to couples of the same sex. The
63-35 House vote sends the measure to Governor Gregoire for signing and will
make Washington the eighth state in the nation to recognize domestic
partnerships.
"This measure will provide many vital protections to
same-sex couples in committed relationships. Its passage is an exciting first
step toward the ultimate goal of marriage for all couples," said ACLU
Legislative Director Jennifer Shaw.
The bill approved by the
Legislature creates a state registry of domestic partners. This registration
extends to domestic partners some of the rights enjoyed by married couples, such
as the ability to make medical care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a
partner in the hospital, and to inherit property without a
will.
The state will also recognize domestic partnerships for
heterosexual couples where at least one person is 62 or older. They were
included in the bill because many older couples can lose pensions and other
benefits when they marry.
The other states that provide legal
recognition and protections for same-sex couples and their families are Vermont,
Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Maine and Hawaii.
Massachusetts allows same-sex couples to marry.