Recognizing Out-of-State Relationships
Sponsor: Rep. Jinkins
In 2009 the legislature passed and voters affirmed an ACLU-backed measure extending to registered domestic partners all the rights and responsibilities of marriage under state law. Currently, state law recognizes domestic partnerships and civil unions from other states but excludes marriages of same-sex couples. This year’s bill recognizes marriages of same-sex couples from other states as valid domestic partnerships in Washington.
The passage of legislation in 2009 providing extensive legal rights for domestic partners was a major step forward for fairness. But reaching true equality will mean making legal marriage available to all couples regardless of sexual orientation. The ACLU-WA supported a bill sponsored by Sen. Murray and Rep. Moeller to allow civil marriage for same-sex partners. Though it did not advance this session, we will continue to work with allies for the eventual success of marriage equality.
