WA Lege Day 80: Domestic partnership ‘reciprocity’ passes
OLYMPIA -- The Senate agreed Washington should recognize domestic partnerships from other states, giving
28-19 approval to a bill that now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire.
On a largely party line vote, the Senate approved HB 1649, which allows domestic partnerships and other contracctual unions of same-sex couples from other states to be recognized in Washington. Same-sex marriages, which aren't recognized in Washington, would be treated the same as domestic partnerships under the bill.
Opponents argued that it was an expansion of state law into the recognition of same-sex marriage, but supporters said it was really about equality for couples who had a partnership in another state and move to Washington.
Among Spokane-area legislators, voting yes was Lisa Brown, D; voting no were Mike Baumgartner, Jeff Baxter, Bob Morton and Mark Schoesler, all R.
