Senate sends same-sex bill to House

Legislation would allow domestic partnerships; opponents call measure threat to marriage

By RACHEL LA CORTE | The Associated Press • Published March 02, 2007

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The Washington state Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would create domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, over the objections of lawmakers who argued that the measure is a threat to traditional marriage.

The bill passed on a 28-19 vote, with two lawmakers excused. It now heads to the House. Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the measure if it gets to her desk.

"From time to time, an issue comes before this body that is both political and intensely personal," said Sen. Ed Murray, a Seattle Democrat who sponsored the measure and is one of five openly gay lawmakers in the Legislature. "For thousands, for tens of thousands of lesbian and gay families throughout the state of Washington, this is one of those issues.

"For us, nothing is as important as our family," he said.

The bill would create a domestic partnership registry with the state, and would provide enhanced rights for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will.

To be registered, couples would have to share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18 years old.

Similar to California law, unmarried, heterosexual senior couples would also be eligible for domestic partnerships if one partner were at least 62. Lawmakers said that provision was included to help seniors who are at risk of losing pension rights and Social Security benefits if they remarry.

But some lawmakers argued that provision made the bill a case of reverse discrimination, and that it should be amended to include all people who care for others, including grandparents and siblings.

"Why can't it be for everyone?" asked an emotional Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, who broke from her caucus and voted against the measure.

Three other Democrats also crossed over and voted against domestic partnerships: Sens. Tim Sheldon of Shelton, Brian Hatfield of Raymond and Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam.