A bill was
introduced in the Washington State legislature Tuesday that
would offer same-sex couples all the rights and benefits
given to the state's heterosexual married
couples, reports The Seattle Times.
Democratic
senator Ed Murray's measure, Bill 5688, would build
upon the domestic-partnership law he successfully
sponsored in 2007; Representative Jamie Pederson will
carry the legislation, Bill 1727, in the house.
Both legislators are gay and come from districts that
include Seattle.
The 110-page bill
reportedly addresses all portions of Washington statute
that solely refer to married couples by adding same-sex
domestic partners to areas dealing with labor,
employment, pensions, and other governmental employee
benefits.
"This is
everything but marriage," Pedersen told the Times
Tuesday night, adding that it was still an inadequate
substitute for full marital rights. "Our hope is that the
continuing success of this legislation helps people
understand what marriage is, and that it gets them
more comfortable with treating all families with
equality dignity and respect."
A same-sex
marriage measure also introduced Tuesday has little chance
of moving given lack of support, both lawmakers said.
The original
domestic-partnership law provided hospital visitation
rights, the ability to authorize autopsies, and the power to
make decisions regarding organ donations and
inheritance rights when no will exists. Last year the
legislature voted to extend those provisions to other
areas of state law that addressed probate and trusts,
community property and homestead exceptions, and
guardianship and powers of attorney.
The new
legislation will be formally announced at a press conference
Wednesday. (Advocate.com)
