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News & ArtsTuesday, March 10, 2009
Olympia Domestic Partnership Bill Passes Senate
Posted by Dominic Holden on Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:49 PM
A state domestic partnership bill, which would extend virtually every right of marriage to registered same-sex partners, passed the senate tonight despite vehement opposition from religious conservatives. Three groups opposing the measure generated a flood of calls and emails to senators in swing districts. One of those groups, the Washington Values Alliance, ran deceptive televisions ads encouraging constituents to pressure their senators to block the bill.
"All the legislators targeted by nasty advertisements stood strong and supported the bill," says Connie Watts, executive director of Equal Rights Washington, an organization that supported the bill. She adds that three Republican senators voted for the measure.
Indeed, right-wing opposition was no match for the bill's broad base of existing support. The senate voted in favor by 30 to 18 (one excused). The house version of the bill—which has 57 co-sponsors—appears ready to pass easily.
The legislature created the domestic partnership registry, which initially provided only a handful of rights to same-sex partners, in 2007, and lawmakers added more rights for registered couples in 2008.
This year's bill hasn't quite passed yet, but an early pat on the back to prime sponsor senator Ed Murray and the tireless advocates at Equal Rights Washington.
3
Congratulations to everyone who worked on this bill. It's such an important step forward. Thank you to legislators for their courage and to Equal Rights Washington for all their hard work and advocacy. And congratulations to ALL our families.
5
I just went to the annual dinner for Equal Rights WA last weekend - it kicked ass! They have done a great job bring the LGBT and allied community together...with a little time and lots of hard work, marriage in Washington is right around the corner!
6
Good.
Also, I wrote this email yesterday, and it's kinda relevant:
I was checking out a story on the KOMO News website about an organization called the Washington Values Alliance, which is running video ads on YouTube against the current domestic partnership bill. The Washington Values Alliance's website - http://www.valuesaction.org/ - lists a contact phone number (360-631-1XXX) for their organization.
In another story, this time in the Arlington News at http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/…, this phone number is listed as the contact for a Larry Stickney. The news story encourages readers to contact Mr. Stickney in order to raise funds for two Arlington residents (Ed and Gary Chrisman) who have been arrested in Mexico for child pornography. (The article also notes that State Sen. Val Stevens will be attending an event being held to support the Chrismans in their fight to pay mothers $25 to take pictures of their teenage girls.)
Also, I wrote this email yesterday, and it's kinda relevant:
I was checking out a story on the KOMO News website about an organization called the Washington Values Alliance, which is running video ads on YouTube against the current domestic partnership bill. The Washington Values Alliance's website - http://www.valuesaction.org/ - lists a contact phone number (360-631-1XXX) for their organization.
In another story, this time in the Arlington News at http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/…, this phone number is listed as the contact for a Larry Stickney. The news story encourages readers to contact Mr. Stickney in order to raise funds for two Arlington residents (Ed and Gary Chrisman) who have been arrested in Mexico for child pornography. (The article also notes that State Sen. Val Stevens will be attending an event being held to support the Chrismans in their fight to pay mothers $25 to take pictures of their teenage girls.)
7
I wish they would remove all of the legal benefits/rights from weddings and make everyone register as a domestic partnership ... straight or gay.
Legal benefits should not be tied to outdated religious ceremonies
Legal benefits should not be tied to outdated religious ceremonies
8
#7 - CALL BACK IN 100 YEARS - AND - AFTER ALL THE LICENSE TO MARRY COMES FROM THE STATE, NOT A CHURCH
9
Thank You Everyone!
My beloved partner and I will be CELEBRATING
7 Years together on 7 | 7
I am making my sign for my trip to Olympia tomorrow for the rally! It will be a great day! WooHoo!
My beloved partner and I will be CELEBRATING
7 Years together on 7 | 7
I am making my sign for my trip to Olympia tomorrow for the rally! It will be a great day! WooHoo!
10
Folks - Senator Murray's comments on the floor where nothing short of historic. When you listened to him, and listened to Senator Joe and then the opposition you really felt the shift. You could feel the room moving with them. We have some EXCELLENT leaders and we need to THANK THEM.
11
Off topic:
Just want to thank those brave NA members who pulled out their guns and shot down that shooter in Alabama today and the one in Nevada....thank god we have all these guns everywhere so that when these crazed gunment emerge there's someone to take them down.
Just want to thank those brave NA members who pulled out their guns and shot down that shooter in Alabama today and the one in Nevada....thank god we have all these guns everywhere so that when these crazed gunment emerge there's someone to take them down.
14
Is there a link to video of the debate - and it would nave been nice to know of the coming vote to be there.... all the big secrets get tiresome ... I live 20 minutes from Oly. and am not working.
Congrats to all, big step forward. ERW posted yesterday there is a party Thr. night at the Elite... lots to celebrate.
Congrats to all, big step forward. ERW posted yesterday there is a party Thr. night at the Elite... lots to celebrate.
16
Congratulations, Washington! Thank you and congratualtions to all who have worked so hard. This Oregonian is proud of you.
17
Remember, however, that while the court mostly protects such a measure from challenges, the earlier court ruling said the legislature is free to revisit at any time. I would not be surprised to see a concerted effort to stack the legislature and revisit the issue later.
Until now, hold breath, wait for House, keep fingers crossed...
Until now, hold breath, wait for House, keep fingers crossed...
18
Hold on a minute... I thought DOMA has to be repealed before domestic partnerships can be recognized? Am I misinformed?
19
@ Dominic,
Thank you for posting that list of Senators on the fence on Friday. I contacted them all, and asked them to support the bill. Most interestingly, three of the Republicans--Brandland, King, and Pflug--voted in favor of the bill, so perhaps we are making a difference.
I'm going to Olympia tomorrow for Equality Day to thank our Senators for their votes and ask for support in the House.
Thank you for posting that list of Senators on the fence on Friday. I contacted them all, and asked them to support the bill. Most interestingly, three of the Republicans--Brandland, King, and Pflug--voted in favor of the bill, so perhaps we are making a difference.
I'm going to Olympia tomorrow for Equality Day to thank our Senators for their votes and ask for support in the House.
20
It's been the Senate where there's been concern. The fact that it passed by the margin it has in the Senate is a direct result of the hard work that a great group of people at ERW, as well as other advocates have done over the past few years.
Now is not the time for the community to be complacent. We have seen what happens when we sit back and relax, even a little bit- the issues now being dealt with in California. Don't think for a minute the right wing won't try the same thing here... they already have through the state's DOMA. They are already building their war chests. We need to do the same.
It is the RESPONSIBILITY of everyone in the LGBT community to pull together and support those that are putting forward the efforts that have led to this historic day with money and energy. I encourage every person reading this to contribute to the organization. With a very small staff and a tiny budget compared to states of comparable size ERW has done very heavy pulling for all of us.
This has been a community wide effort. Legislators, other politicos, community activists and others have helped us to this day. Activists in the community started ERW just a few years ago and the hard work that has been coordinated through them has paid off. However, like many other non-profits, ERW needs cash to help keep the rights in place we have gained and move us forward to marriage. The best thing each of you can do is to give cash or get involved in what's going on. Take 5 minutes of your day and go to ERW's website: www.equalrightswashington.org or call them on (206) 324-2570 and commit cash or time. The fight to get the rights we have to date is over. We still have to get to marriage, and of equal importance, defend what we have gained.
Kudos to Connie, Josh, and all the others at ERW that have been and continue to be at the forefront of reaching where we're at. The staff at ERW and their community connections have worked their asses off to make this day happen. We need to get this through the House and the governor's signature.
We'll need to stay vigilant for the assholes that will be gunning for the rights that have been legalized, and those rights we still wait to be recognized. Those opposed to us are just starting to get organized. They spent millions in California to overturn hard gained efforts there. They will attempt to do the same here. This is only beginning and we need to be prepared. NOW is the time ERW and similar organizations need our help. Now is not the time to sit back and relax. We are not done. Call and help.
More...
Now is not the time for the community to be complacent. We have seen what happens when we sit back and relax, even a little bit- the issues now being dealt with in California. Don't think for a minute the right wing won't try the same thing here... they already have through the state's DOMA. They are already building their war chests. We need to do the same.
It is the RESPONSIBILITY of everyone in the LGBT community to pull together and support those that are putting forward the efforts that have led to this historic day with money and energy. I encourage every person reading this to contribute to the organization. With a very small staff and a tiny budget compared to states of comparable size ERW has done very heavy pulling for all of us.
This has been a community wide effort. Legislators, other politicos, community activists and others have helped us to this day. Activists in the community started ERW just a few years ago and the hard work that has been coordinated through them has paid off. However, like many other non-profits, ERW needs cash to help keep the rights in place we have gained and move us forward to marriage. The best thing each of you can do is to give cash or get involved in what's going on. Take 5 minutes of your day and go to ERW's website: www.equalrightswashington.org or call them on (206) 324-2570 and commit cash or time. The fight to get the rights we have to date is over. We still have to get to marriage, and of equal importance, defend what we have gained.
Kudos to Connie, Josh, and all the others at ERW that have been and continue to be at the forefront of reaching where we're at. The staff at ERW and their community connections have worked their asses off to make this day happen. We need to get this through the House and the governor's signature.
We'll need to stay vigilant for the assholes that will be gunning for the rights that have been legalized, and those rights we still wait to be recognized. Those opposed to us are just starting to get organized. They spent millions in California to overturn hard gained efforts there. They will attempt to do the same here. This is only beginning and we need to be prepared. NOW is the time ERW and similar organizations need our help. Now is not the time to sit back and relax. We are not done. Call and help.
21
@14 It is each of our responsibilities as voters to keep informed. If you're unemployed, why weren't you in constant contact with your legislators and on the legislative website to learn the daily status of the bill? It is too much to expect our overstretched advocacy groups to do the heavy lifting *and* spoon feed you what you want when you want it. / rant over /
25
My Senator, Claudia Kauffman, was one of the co-sponsors, and both my Representatives, Geoff Simpson and Pat Sullivan, are co-sponsors of the companion House bill. I *heart* the 47th LD!
I wrote 'em all letters supporting the bills; I know they're hearing from the constituency of Hate and Fear, so it's important they hear thank you from those of us who support equality.
I wrote 'em all letters supporting the bills; I know they're hearing from the constituency of Hate and Fear, so it's important they hear thank you from those of us who support equality.
26
Well done, Senate. Now when does the House vote?
Speaking of WAVA, I sent them a message a few days ago asking them to clarify their language on whether these two bills actually legalize gay marriage. (It's kind of a semantics argument, come to think of it.)
Stickney's response:
"I can understand your confusion, which seems to be part of the strategy of the proponents. We have considered this bill to be a same-sex marriage bill because it will create the same situation that we recently saw in California. Step One: Liberal legislators give full marital rights to homosexuals unions. Step Two: Activist liberal supreme court justices overturn the state’s Defense of Marriage Act and the will of the people under the “separate but equal” treatment they are now getting.
So here we are at Step One in Washington. Is it really that hard to see the game that is being played? I see nothing that is deceptive in any of our writings. The great deception we ARE seeing is the stealth campaign being waged by Ed Murray and Jamie Pederson and the leftist Seattle Media’s blackout of the issue."
Even the Times has pointed out that Murray has been pretty open about his ultimate goal to get gay marriage legalized. So is this really about legal human rights, or does it just all come down to semantics?
Speaking of WAVA, I sent them a message a few days ago asking them to clarify their language on whether these two bills actually legalize gay marriage. (It's kind of a semantics argument, come to think of it.)
Stickney's response:
"I can understand your confusion, which seems to be part of the strategy of the proponents. We have considered this bill to be a same-sex marriage bill because it will create the same situation that we recently saw in California. Step One: Liberal legislators give full marital rights to homosexuals unions. Step Two: Activist liberal supreme court justices overturn the state’s Defense of Marriage Act and the will of the people under the “separate but equal” treatment they are now getting.
So here we are at Step One in Washington. Is it really that hard to see the game that is being played? I see nothing that is deceptive in any of our writings. The great deception we ARE seeing is the stealth campaign being waged by Ed Murray and Jamie Pederson and the leftist Seattle Media’s blackout of the issue."
Even the Times has pointed out that Murray has been pretty open about his ultimate goal to get gay marriage legalized. So is this really about legal human rights, or does it just all come down to semantics?
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