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02/16/08-02/18/08

Washington State House Passes DP Bill

A bill that would extend an additional 160 rights to registered domestic partners in Washington state was passed on a vote of 62–32 by the state house Friday. The measure, cosponsored by 59 out of 98 house members, would create greater parity for same-sex couples and heterosexual couples by expanding state-provided benefits.

"It is indeed symbolic that this vote comes as the 11th annual National Freedom to Marry Week comes to a close," Equal Rights Washington's Connie Watts said in a statement. "Equal Rights Washington and the prime sponsors of the Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill have been clear and unequivocal in stating that we are seeking full marriage equality for families formed by gay and lesbian couples."

Equal Rights Washington expects the bill to pass through the senate, where a majority of the members are cosponsors.

"However, it is important to remember that even when this bill becomes law, gay and lesbian couples will only be afforded fewer than 200 of the 1,400 legal protections enjoyed by legally married couples in Washington state," she continued.

Since the state passed its initial domestic-partnership law in July 2007, more than 3,300 couples have registered. Both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples in which at least one of the partners is 62 years old or older are eligible for the registry.

According to a poll of Washington voters, only 22% said that same-sex couples should have no legal recognition. Thirty-five percent supported full marriage equality, followed by 24% who agreed with giving gay and lesbian couples an equitable contract, and 14% who support limited legal recognition. (The Advocate)

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