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Lawmakers are reportedly looking to expand the domestic partnership law in the state of Washington.
The new expansion would grant same sex couples more that 170 of the benefits and responsibilities that are currently being given to married couples.
Amongst these rights would be better property and guardianship rights.
Senator Sponsors Bill
Senator Ed Murray originally sponsored the domestic partnership measure in Washington last year and is looking to expand the bill in the Senate this year.
“It’s a significant piece of legislation, but it still leaves hundreds of rights and benefits and responsibilities of marriage out,” explained Murray.
How Would a New Bill be Beneficial?
The new bill would enable domestic partners to have the same spousal testimony rights that married couples have.
Changes would also be made to 173 sections of the state law, which would add domestic partners to sections where only spouses had been mentioned previously.
“The overriding theme for this package is the financial security of domestic partners and their families,” said Rep. Jamie Pedersen. “A lot of this is tied to letting people organize their affairs so they are secure financially.”
In order for couples to be considered registered partners they must be at least 18, share a home and can’t be married or in a relationship with anyone else.
(Source: Seattle Post)
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