by HRC Staff •
Olympia, WA - This evening, the Washington state senate voted 29-20 to pass a Domestic Partnership Expansion bill extending more than 160 new rights and responsibilities to registered domestic partners under state law. The legislation, which passed the House last month by a 62-32 vote, now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk.
"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates Equal Rights Washington on this important step forward and thanks fair-minded legislators for taking action that promises real benefits for same-sex couples in Washington and their families," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "For the second time in as many years, Washington legislators have helped move same-sex couples toward full equality."
A 2007 law created a domestic partner registry that provided specific rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples as well as opposite sex couples with one partner over age 62. The bill the Senate passed will expand on the 2007 law.
HRC is proud to partner with Equal Rights Washington by encouraging our members in the state to contact elected representatives in both the House and the Senate. HRC also thanks its members in Washington for taking action to help pass this important legislation.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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