Washington is one step
closer to becoming the seventh state to authorize marriage equality. The Senate
voted 28-21 in favor of allowing same-sex unions on Wednesday evening.
SB 6239 sponsored by Sen. Ed
Murray (D-Seattle) was approved after 90 minutes of debate on Wednesday. Amendments
that strengthened the religious exemption clauses were added to the bill with
bi-partisan support.
Washington currently
allows for same-sex couples to register as domestic partners, which provides the
same legal benefits as marriage. However, marriage equality proponents argue
domestic partnerships are essentially “separate, but equal” relationships, which
historically have proven to be less than equal. For example, during a public hearing on the
issue,
same-sex couples described difficult and frustrating conversations with hospital staff
concerning visitation rights.
