Back to News & Commentary

Seven Reasons to Vote Approve on R-71: Reason #6

Anna Mumford,
LGBT Project
Share This Page
November 1, 2009

On November 3, Washington voters will have the chance to approve or reject R-71, a measure that will allow same-sex couples and unmarried opposite-sex seniors to access many of the rights and protections granted to married couples. We’re counting down to Election Day with a series of seven videos, each a powerful illustration of why it’s so important to approve R-71.

Reason #6: Senior domestic partners Rose and Joe

Rose and Joe live in Evans, Washington, a tiny community on the edge of the Lake Roosevelt in the farthest northeast corner of the state. Rose has a rare autoimmune disease and relies on Medicaid to help pay for the medications she needs. If she and Joe were to marry, she would lose this health care coverage. Their domestic partnership allows Joe to be with Rose during her frequent hospitalizations, and also gives him the ability to help make medical decisions if she is unconscious.

Watch this clip on YouTube!

Vote APPROVE on 71 to ensure that Rose and Joe will continue to able to care for each other.

You can watch all seven videos and support the campaign here.

Learn More About the Issues on This Page