Looks like New England might be joined in its ridiculous liberalism by a West Coast cousin: Washington State.
A same-sex domestic partnership bill, which affords the same rights as married couples, passed the State Senate 30-18 mostly along party lines, reports the AP, and was certainly helped by the six openly gay state senators legislators (and a supportive governor, Chris Gregoire). The bill now heads to the House, and from there to Gregoire’s desk.
Two years ago Washington passed made law a less expansive concession, which gave gay couples hospital visitation and inheritance rights. Last year, “lawmakers expanded that law to give domestic partners standing under laws covering probate and trusts, community property and guardianship.”
And now, everything.
How about we take this to the next level?
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Tony
Little ole WA state! Were not just about rain & coffee.
Mad Professah
I believe it is six openly gay legislators, not senators…
They have 2 State Senators and 4 State Reps that are openly LGBT.
I do think there’s a correlation between the number of openly gay officials and the ability to pass LGBT-supportive legislation.
NEW HAMPSHIRE has the most of any state: SEVEN elected openly LGBT officials!
SOURCE: http://www.glli.org/out_officials/search
poem
Awesome! Thanks for posting this. I came across a couple news articles yesterday saying how the religious right was making tons of phone calls and sending emails/mail to their Congressmen. For the Washington readers who would like to counteract the far right attacks, click on your county to get local numbers for your Reps. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/statewide.aspx
I love living in the Evergreen State!
Sebbe
@Mad Professah – Isn’t the head of the NH Democratic Party also gay? Buckley or something (not those ones)? I thought I read that in the Boston Globe awhile ago.
Gabe Global
You know, this bill did get three votes from republicans. They too should be thanked. It’s not going to make their re-election any easier.