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Washington
Washington is currently one of the states in the U.S. to offer some form of protections and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their families. On April 21, 2007, Governor Christine Gregoire signed the Domestic Partner Bill into law. The law took effect on July 23, 2007, approximately one year after the Washington State Supreme Court ruled against marriage equality for same-sex couples . State advocates and citizens throughout Washington continue to work for true fairness and equality (pdf) for same-sex couples and their families by ending their exclusion from marriage.
FROM EVAN WOLFSON:
"Marriage Makes a Word of
Difference"
Originally published by
Portland Mercury
June 14, 2007
By Evan Wolfson
Evan Wolfson answers the question so often asked of same-sex
couples wanting to end their exclusion from marriage, "Why
can't you just call it something else?," by explaining how
the "clarity, security, and dignity [of the word marriage] is
precious and irreplaceable."
Marriage? Babies Required!
February 8, 2007
Evan Wolfson debates Charmaine Yoest MSNBC News Live regarding the merits of Washington State's Initiative 957 which would require couples who have not procreated after 3 years of marriage to lose their license. The initiative is a clear attempt to challenge the Washington State Supreme Court's mandate that same sex couples exclusion from marriage is warranted by the need for non-gay couples to and their kids to have their reproduction privileged by the state. What about gay couples and their kids? No protections for them? Evan Wolfson lays bare the claims of the anti-gay Family Research Council in mere seconds!
Stay in the fight: The court stumbled, but the movement for justice continues
The Stranger
July 28, 2006
Evan Wolfson critiques the Washington state high court's decision in 2006 where the court stumbled to provide marriage equality with a sharply divided 5-4 ruling and concludes the movement for justice must go on.
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WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Equal Rights Washington
Equal Rights Washington (ERW) is a statewide political advocacy organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community of Washington State. ERW works to end discrimination against LGBT people throughout the state.
Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington
A nonprofit organization committed to achieving the legal right of civil marriage for same-sex couples in Washington State.
Religious Coalition for Equality
The Religious Coalition for Equality is an interfaith association of lay persons and clergy committed to this twofold purpose: to educate Washington State citizens about and to advocate for marriage equality for all couples and the civil rights of all.
ACLU-Washington: Marriage Equality
Today the ACLU of Washington takes on major law reform through litigation and legislative action.
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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN WASHINGTON:
Your Community—Washington
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and
relationship recognition laws in each state.
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PUBLICATIONS:
Washington Census Snapshot
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Washington.
Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the
American Community Survey
Williams Institute
November 2007
Gary Gates at the Williams Institute released groundbreaking research
on the geographic trends among same-sex couples. The report finds the
biggest increases in Southern and Mountain states and states barring
legal acceptance of same-sex couples had larger percentage increases
in same-sex couples from 2000 to 2006.
Equal Rights Washington Domestic Partnership Survey Results (pdf)
Equal Rights Washington
July 13, 2007
Equal Rights Washington (EWR) performed a survey of same-sex couples planning to register as domestic partners once the new Washington law became available on July 23, 2007. ERW found "Respondents' attitudes toward the domestic partnership registry were generally enthusiastic but not without reservations. While many respondents were excited to participate in a significant advancement for equality, a large majority emphasized their desire to attain full marriage equality."
Let's Talk About Marriage: Talking Points (pdf)
Equal Rights Washington
ERW offers talking points for how to talk about ending the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage.
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NEWS:
View news about the fight for the freedom to marry in Washington.
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MULTIMEDIA:
...for my wife
After facing tragedy and humiliation in the aftermath of losing her wife of nine years, Charlene Strong has found her voice as a champion for marriage equality.
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After facing tragedy and humiliation in the aftermath of losing her wife of nine years, Charlene Strong found her voice as a champion for marriage equality.
Equal Rights Washington offers talking points for how to talk about ending the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage.
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Washington.
