I am pleased that Washington state HB 1649, Domestic Partnership Reciprocity, has become law with the governor’s signature. This bill would recognize legally married same-sex couples from other jurisdictions as domestic partners under current state law. Washington state is embellishing its reputation as treating people with respect and fairness.
Cheers to Democratic legislators who voted for this bill: Reps. Jim Moeller and Tim Probst, former Rep. Jim Jacks and Sen. Craig Pridemore. Jeers to Republican members who opposed it: Reps. Ann Rivers, Paul Harris and Ed Orcutt, and Sens. Joe Zarelli and Don Benton. I am bewildered about their rationale against basic fairness. Have they thought about if they were to travel outside the state and to not have their marriages legally recognized?
Reuben Chong
Vancouver
