Washington State Lawmakers Propose Sweeping Expansion Of Domestic Partner Law

(Olympia, Washington) Legislation was filed Tuesday to expand Washington's domestic partner law to include more than 170 rights and responsibilities that currently are available only to married opposite-sex couples in the state.

The bill, the size of a small book at 200 pages, was unveiled by Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, both Democrats and two of five openly gay members of the legislature.

The measure has widespread support among Democrats who control both houses. A spokesperson for Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) said that Gregoire has not seen the bill but supports it in principal.

The legislation would make domestic partnerships equal to marriage in areas of community property, guardianship and powers of attorney. It would allow partners the right to refuse to testify against partners in court. And it provides the same remedies as married couples have in ending a relationship including the division of property.

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