OLYMPIA, Wash. – New results released Wednesday afternoon show that Washington state's new "everything but marriage" law was narrowly was passing by a wider margin than on election night.
Referendum 71 asked voters to approve or reject the final expansion to the state's domestic partnership law, which grants registered domestic partners additional state-granted rights currently given only to married couples.
The latest results show about 52 percent of voters approving the measure.
Sen. Ed Murray, a Democrat from Seattle who spearheaded the domestic partnership law, said he was pleased R-71 was leading, but the closeness of the race showed that "we still have a lot of work to do in having a conversation with the citizens of the state about the reality of gay and lesbian families."
The measure was failing in most of the state's 39 counties, except for 10 counties in the traditionally more liberal Puget Sound area, including King County, which includes Seattle and holds about a third of the state's voters.
Opponents of the law pointed to that division as proof that King County, which holds about a third of the state's voters, disproportionately affects election results in the state.
"There's two sets of values in Washington. There's values in Seattle, and there's the rest of us," said Larry Stickney of Protect Marriage Washington, which pushed to get the referendum on the ballot. "The vast majority of Washington counties are uncomfortable with the radical social agenda coming out of Seattle."
The expanded law would add benefits, such as the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner, and rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.
The law was supposed to take effect July 26, but now will go on the books only if approved by voters. If rejected, previously enacted legislation on domestic partnerships with fewer benefits to gay couples would remain in place.
The underlying domestic partnership law, which the Legislature passed in 2007, provided hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will. Under state law, senior couples can register as domestic partnerships as well.
Last year, lawmakers expanded that law to give domestic partners standing under laws covering probate and trusts, community property and guardianship.
More than 12,000 people in Washington state are registered as domestic partners.
bruceb said on November 4, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Yay!
notayankeefan said on November 4, 2009 at 6:03 PM
I am so Glad! I seriously don't care what gays or lesbians do and neither should anyone else! Leave them alone, they are human beings just as you are. Spend you time, money and energy getting pedophiles and drug dealers off the streets instead of this nonsense!
lemons said on November 4, 2009 at 6:15 PM
BOOOOOO!!!!!! That is so not right!!
ingodwetrust said on November 4, 2009 at 6:24 PM
That's horrible! The Bible doesn't teach us that way... it's not right!
ingodwetrust said on November 4, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Nope those people are different from us! I just can imagine two guys or girls kissing each other... its sick!
steverino said on November 4, 2009 at 6:30 PM
What a crock. The western side of the state wins again. What's next, 2 wifes or 2 husbands. It's a MAN and a WOMEN, period. Enough said.
ingodwetrust said on November 4, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Nope those people are different from us! I just can't imagine two guys or girls kissing each other... its sick!
ingodwetrust said on November 4, 2009 at 6:32 PM
steverino: i agree with you!
bruceb said on November 4, 2009 at 6:58 PM
steverino and ingodwetrust, you are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to mine. So... YAY!
lemons said on November 4, 2009 at 7:32 PM
what the h*ll is this nation coming to? Soon it will be you can marry your dog and that will be ok to sick sick sick pathetic!!! inGodwetrust and steverino i agree with you 110% The Bible does not teach us this, this IS wrong. Marriage is a sacred thing between a MAN AND WOMAN. Now with this it makes is DISTURBED!!
tbone0512 said on November 4, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I hope this does not pass . as i live in ID and that is 2 close 2 home this is wrong and against the constitution of The United States of America go home and eaad your BIBLE it will tell u this is wong
empyrius said on November 4, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Against the Constitution?!? You better re-read that document. The same document that separates church from state, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion . . .". As far as the Bible invokers, fine, when are we going to start putting to death the adulterers and fornicators? No takers? Didn't think so . . . I can imagine two girls kissing: nice! Har har har har! What these people do in their bedroom really is not our business is it? And if two women, or dudes, want to have a lifelong monogamous relationship, which I myself do recognize as being against what Scripture teaches, but hey, who am I to judge or force my belief system upon others who are not harming me? That is between them and God. It is my duty, as a Christian, to love them, accept them, and preach heterosexuality by my actions. "Hate evil you say . . .", the only people Jesus seemed to have "hated" were the religious authorities of his day: imagine that!!!!! Jesus hating . . .: hmmmm Peace
spoklahomarox said on November 4, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Isn't it funny how the church and the religious are the ones who do not want equal rights?
steverino said on November 4, 2009 at 9:58 PM
What two girls do or two men do in their bedroom, your right, is none of our business. I could care less what they do. But to pass a law giveing them same right as a married couple, is wrong. It's my tax dollars, and I don't want tp spend on people like that. Now I know everyone has their own opinion, and they should. But this is mine.
monkeyfish said on November 4, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Ya' gotta love it- Seattle shoves another one down our throats! Here comes the challenge to the marriage law! We had better rise to the occasion next time, or there will be no turning back!
cameron said on November 4, 2009 at 11:13 PM
"Seattle" is not shoving anything down anyone's throat. I was born and raised in Washington, I pay equal taxes, I should have equal rights. We all feel love and connection. We all have hearts that can be committed to our loved one. I challenge you to awaken to Truth.
edgruberman said on November 5, 2009 at 6:02 AM
"Seattle shoves another one down our throats!" Riiight, because their votes count more than ours? You cold have taken the voters and spread them out evenly all over the state, guess what, it still would have passed. It comes down to vote count, not how many counties voted which way. It just happens that the population density is much higher in metro King county than anywhere else in the state. Get over it, the majority spoke. Like it or not, it is passing.
1billiam said on November 5, 2009 at 6:26 AM
Jesus did no, in fact "seem to hate any--one---ever". we don't "hate" the gays, their choice is theirs however we, the majority don't want to be affiliated either by our vote nor our tax dollars for their choices.
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 7:55 AM
1billiam - clearly, the enlightened ones ARE the majority...and We, the majority passed R-71. Time to notice that those of YOU who cling to your hatred are the MINORITY. If you are unable to open your eyes, don't worry! Your children or grandchildren will. It's just a matter of time. I wish you peace and awakening in your heart.
sunbunny said on November 5, 2009 at 7:58 AM
1billiam- "the gays, their choice is theirs however we, the majority don't want to be affiliated either by our vote nor our tax dollars for their choices." But didn't the MAJORITY just vote to APPROVE It ??? Yay democracy!
noway said on November 5, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Fools this isn't about Gay rights. It's about gaining legal acceptance to further a larger agenda. Now that it's a legally accepted practice the civil rights laws and anti-deflamatory rulings come into play. Anyone dares to speak out against their lifestyle is fair game.
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 8:32 AM
And the larger agenda? It is to assure that all people have equal rights. If that is not okay w/any of you, take an honest look at yourselves. Be gentle w/yourselves, but take an honest look.
deuleuxieesxi said on November 5, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Im only going to say this once. I bet that if all the people from Spokane moved to Seattle, Seattle's views and liberal mind set would start rubbing off on the Spokanites and all of us would probably want the whole "gay" R-71 to pass, because its the General Populations choice in Seattle, its like peer pressure. If you didnt want it to pass and were against R-71 everyone would look at you like you were a "black man in a white bar" type situation. Seattle is JUST like Portland. Its like a Soddom and Gomorrah all over again. Many of my friends who have moved over to Seattle have become so brain washed liberal its PATHETIC!
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 10:11 AM
deuleuxieesxi - you sound like a very unhappy person. If one has no peace inside themselves, then it's easy to look out upon the world and find things to hate. I have no doubt that if it's not people who happen to be gay, then it would be some other good folks that have your knickers in a twist. When it comes down to it, there are two things in this world: Love and fear. I encourage you to choose love...you will be MUCH happier.
eastside said on November 5, 2009 at 10:19 AM
deuleuxieesxi, You are so right. Sesspools and sanitation lagoons can really stink. But, if you move in next to one, pretty soon you don't even smell it, and then there comes a time that you even begin to like it.
ravenf0x said on November 5, 2009 at 10:27 AM
this is the biggest bunch of bull. It isn't a point of gay rights at all. Now, this will give people room to attack anyone who says anything ill towards a gay couple because now they have the same rights as a regular married couple a bit one sided don't you think? I mean I am married to a person of the opposite sex and I have no right to attack anyone if they attack me being married to my husband but now because my religious beliefs states it is wrong and I feel it is wrong and if I say anything against it I'm in trouble? As far as that whole scream about separation of church and state you find that in the Constitution (just a hint it isn't there learn your history before spouting off at the mouth about it). that was a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists addressing his concerns and what should be done for America and that he didn't want what had happened in the Church of England to repeat itself here in the United states. This I believe is the 1st step to worse things
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 10:28 AM
eastside- you sound like a very unhappy person. If one has no peace inside themselves, then it's easy to look out upon the world and find things to hate. I have no doubt that if it's not people who happen to be gay, then it would be some other good folks that have your knickers in a twist. When it comes down to it, there are two things in this world: Love and fear. I encourage you to choose love...you will be MUCH happier.
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 10:32 AM
ravenf0x - MY spiritual beliefs include the understanding that there should be equality for all. You sound like a very unhappy person. If one has no peace inside themselves, then it's easy to look out upon the world and find things to hate. I have no doubt that if it's not people who happen to be gay, then it would be some other good folks that have your knickers in a twist. When it comes down to it, there are two things in this world: Love and fear. I encourage you to choose love...you will be MUCH happier.
empyrius said on November 5, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Then do not vote 1billiam, then you will not be "affiliated"; you have the right to not participate in this "representative" democracy. Who would want to be "affiliated" with this evil "warfare is prosperity" state anyway . . .: I hear you bro! Uh-o, the "Soddom [sic] and Gomorrah" crowd is here . . . So what does that make NYC and San Francisco?!? Are you trying to say 9/11 was a message from God condemning America's evilness? I hear that! What say ye now infidel!?! Har har har har . . .
skime said on November 5, 2009 at 10:48 AM
This is going to cost the state way to much money. Next we will be forced to teach this way of life to the kids. Are we going to name a street after the gay movement?
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Such anger, such fear. Such delusion. I wish you all peace and hope you find your way to the Light.
whawha said on November 5, 2009 at 12:30 PM
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed. If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't` eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone. If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. If a liberal sees a foreign threat, he wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good. If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect. If a person of color is conservative, they see themselves as independently successful. Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection. If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
whawha said on November 5, 2009 at 12:31 PM
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down. If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!) If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his. If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed. If a liberal slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues. If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".
shockfan said on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 PM
"this is the biggest bunch of bull. It isn't a point of gay rights at all. Now, this will give people room to attack anyone who says anything ill towards a gay couple because now they have the same rights as a regular married couple..." So you don't think everyone should have the same rights? Why are so many people worried about someone having equal rights? Does this take anything away from you? Does this change the fact that "regular marriages" have over 50% divorce rate? Does this affect you in any way other than being unable to discriminate against a class of people? I can understand being uncomfortable with the gay lifestyle, but just as people did not want to allow interracial marriage not too many years ago, it is wrong to discriminate. No one is forcing you to like it. But society has decided equality should apply to everyone, not just the ones the religous right think should have protection.
eastside said on November 5, 2009 at 2:10 PM
skime said- " Are we going to name a street after the gay movement?" How about the "Backdoor Roundabout"
swellswell said on November 5, 2009 at 2:58 PM
I find it intriguing that the vast majority of people who hurl epithets and behave in an ugly fashion are those who oppose R-71. I don't see supporters of R-71 decrying the views of the opponents; they come on here and explain (usually rationally) why they think what they think. I thought we lived in a one-person, one-vote state. So why should be votes of those who live in/near Seattle count any less than the votes of those who don't?
cameron said on November 5, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I don't see "liberals" being offended here...just you folks. Is it something in the water there? You are all expressing such hatred over something that you have no understanding of. Guess what? Gay/Lesbian people are finally nibbling away at your ignorance and are gaining EQUAL rights. Right on, it's overdue.
brucie said on November 7, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Still running 52% in favor.... yay! http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/Results.aspx?RaceTypeCode=M&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&ElectionID=32&ViewMode=Results
brucie said on November 13, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Nov. 13 - they're nearly done counting and the approval rate has topped 53%. The lead is bigger than the total number of uncounted ballots. http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/Results.aspx?RaceTypeCode=M&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&ElectionID=32&ViewMode=Results Yay!