northwest
Washingtonians Commit
Gay lawmakers introduce marriage and domestic partnership bills
by Jaymee R. Cuti
A
coalition of gay lawmakers from
Washington are not afraid of commit­
ment. In fact, empowered by a state
Supreme Court decision that came
down last summer, they introduced a bill
Jan. 16 in the House of Representatives that would
deliver full marriage equality to same-sex couples.
But critics, insiders and even the legislators
themselves don’t actually think the bill has a shot
in this session, which began Jan. 8.
But a second bill, also introduced Jan. 16, is a
much more palatable proposal for Washingtonians
still not comfortable with the idea of gay marriage.
“The strategy is we understand there’s not much
support for marriage at this particular time; however,
it’s important to begin the discussion and education
with the state and members of the Legislature,” said
state Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver. “In the mean­
time, our families need and deserve protection.”
The second bill, which has the bipartisan
support of 55 House lawmakers (only 49 are needed
to pass the bill on to the Senate), is a domestic part­
nership benefits bill, which extends rights such as
health care, end-of-life decisions, inheritance and
retirement benefits to registered domestic partners.
In addition to Moeller, state Sen. Ed Murray,
D-Seattle, and state Reps. Joe McDermott and Jamie
Pedersen, both D-Seattle, and Dave Upthegrove,
D-Des Moines, are working on the bills.
“1 think this is a very smart package of bills, and
it reflects the humanity of our Legislature to
address the needs of real people right now and the
aspirational goals of gay and lesbian people,” said
Josh Friedes, advocacy director of Seattle-based
Equal Rights Washington.
The less popular marriage bill is supported by 25
state representatives. That bill, based largely on
California’s domestic partnership benefits law, aims
to create a civil marriage contract between two
people; eliminate gender-specific language in the
marriage statute; extend the approximately 423 state
statutes available to married couples to domestic
partners; and recognize same-sex marriages that were
validly entered into in other states.
“Marriage is really what our goal is,” said
Moeller, who is one of five openly gay legislators in
Washington. “This is not a session that marriage
will pass, but I believe this is a session that domes­
tic partnership benefits will pass.”
Last year, the House passed an anti­
discrimination law that included banning discrim­
ination based on sexual orientation, by a 60-37
House vote that was approved 25-23 in the Senate.
State activists say even in the face of imminent
defeat, full marriage equality is still worth fighting
for today.
“What we have found after having conversa­
tions with advocates, activists and coalition part­
ners across the state is people are
undeterred by having lost rhe
marriage equality lawsuit and
desperately want to continue the
fight for marriage equality,” said
Friedes. “Secondly, there is a
State Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, addresses a crowd after
realization that real families are
last summer's Washington Supreme Court ruling that upheld
suffering right now because they
a statewide marriage ban.
don’t have the protections of
marriage. The two bills really reflect the two prior­ dum, so we need to be mindful that domestic part­
ities of the LGBT community.”
nership registry may very well end up on the ballot,
While Washington Supreme Court justices
and we feel we can defend it," he said. “Our families
upheld the statewide marriage ban last summer,
deserve these protections, and when you sit and talk
deeming it consistent with the state constitution,
to people about that, even people who are opposed
several justices clarified that their decision did
to marriage say there should be some protections."
not negate a legislative action to allow same-sex
The bills do not yet have hearings scheduled,
marriage.
but an optimistic Moeller says he expects the
Several lessons can be taken from recent
domestic partnership benefits bill to pass relatively
marriage equality losses sustained by their border
quickly. He hopes to have both legislative bodies
state to the south, say Washingtonians.
debate the domestic partnership bill on the same
day. ©
Friedes said his organization is in contact with
Basic Rights Oregon. “They are very helpful to us
in developing our strategy, particularly the need for
a vibrant grassroots movement,” he said.
According to Moeller, he and coalition partners
are learning from Oregon’s experience fighting a
referendum, should the proposed bill or bills pass in
the Legislature.
“Anything that we do •pass is open to referen-
E quality W ashington is holding two upcoming
events. Vow to Take a Stand, a community
discussion about marriage equality, takes place
Feb. 11 in Vancouver. The third annual Equality
Day, including a rally and lobby session, runs from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Capitol in Olympia.
To register visit www.equalrightswashington.org.
I
DINNER
MOVIE?
AND A
WE'VE GOT IT ALL FOR YOU.
RESTAURANTS A THEATER
AND
jus tout per su rials, com
bW
ÖC M