Opponents of a measure
to expand domestic-partnership rights for same-sex couples in
Washington have vowed to fight the legislation, which would
extend marriage-like benefits to domestic partners in all areas
of the law. The measure passed the state senate on Tuesday
night by a vote of 38-10, and is expected to win approval from
the house before heading to the governor for a signature.
Foes of the expanded
domestic partnerships contend that they will open a door to the
eventual approval of same-sex marriage in Washington. They cite
the success of Proposition 8 in California as inspiration for
their battle, which they say includes a plan to ask voters to
reverse the measure, should it succeed.
"We're
fighting with a great sense of urgency," Larry Stickney,
president of the Washington Values Alliance, told the
Seattle Times.
"In light of the California supreme court decision, it
inspired us that if we didn't fight, it's lost. We feel
backed into a corner."
In recent weeks,
opponents of the expanded domestic-partnership legislation have
flooded lawmakers with phone calls and packed into legislative
hearings. They plan a rally for traditional marriage on March
19 at the state capitol in Olympia.
