News :: GLBT
Washington voters approve Ref. 71 by Hannah Clay Wareham
Associate EditorFriday Nov 6, 2009 Voters in the state of Washington approved Referendum 71 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, preserving the state’s domestic partnership protection laws.
"Today was a victory for family equality in Washington," Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, said Nov. 3. "This decision sends a clear message to the entire country that there is a board support for family values, which includes all families. This vote is significant to the welfare of LGBT families in the state of Washington, where thousands of parents are raising thousands of children. These children deserve the protection and recognition afforded to them through Referendum 71."
Domestic partnership laws offering legal protections to same-sex couples were passed on May 18, 2009. The laws were put to a referendum vote and, on Tuesday, were preserved.
"This victory promotes fairness, supports families, and is good for Washington State and the country," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This victory sends the message that no family should be left vulnerable and without basic protections because of someone else’s prejudices."
In the wake of Maine’s disappointing defeat of same-sex marriage, the success in Washington may provide LGBT civil rights movements the crucial momentum lost this week in the pine tree state that is necessary to the continued struggle for marriage equality.
"The people of Washington have rejected a mean-spirited attempt to rob some citizens of the protections that others receive. The passage of Referendum 71 assures that state-registered domestic partners will have the same financial and personal security under state law as their neighbors." said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Although only marriage is truly equal, this referendum provides tangible protections that are more important than ever in these uncertain economic times."
Hannah can be reached at hclaywareham@baywindows.com.
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