http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir/news/43072067.htmlDomestic Partnership Expansion Bill passes; Governor expected to sign
Expanding domestic partner rights first granted in 2007, the Washington State House of Representatives voted April 15 to pass into law additional rights for domestic partnerships.
The bill, which adds hundreds of rights and responsibilities to current law, passed the house on a 62-35 vote. The vote follows a 30-18 in the state Senate several weeks ago. Local representatives Deb Eddy, Ross Hunter, Larry Springer and Roger Goodman all supported the measure. The bill now heads to Governor Christine Gregoire's desk for a signature.
One of the chief sponsors of the bill, Sen. Ed Murray (D-Seattle), is the highest-ranking openly gay elected official in the state. Arguing in favor of the bill last month, he urged legislators to extend the rights of heterosexual married couples to domestic partnerships, which are not defined by sexual orientation.
"Though our passions may be strained, they must not break the bonds of affections," he said, quoting US President Abraham Lincoln. "He hoped that chord would appeal to the better angels of our nature."
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Yeah for my home state!
Now its time to get the same rights under the same laws!