Peninsula Daily News news sources
OLYMPIA — Same-sex couples married elsewhere would be granted the same legal rights and protections in Washington state as domestic partners under a bill headed to the governor’s desk after clearing its last legislative hurdle Wednesday.
The measure passed the state Senate, but the only two Democrats to oppose it hail from the Olympic Peninsula.
Gay marriage remains illegal in Washington state.
But under this bill, same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships performed and recognized elsewhere — including British Columbia and other Canadian provinces — would be eligible for the rights granted to domestic partnerships in Washington.
In the past half-decade, lawmakers here have approved hundreds of rights and responsibilities for domestic partnerships, putting them on almost equal footing with marriage.
Currently, five states, the District of Columbia and Canada allow same-sex marriages.
Washington becomes the fourth state to approve this type of bill, following Rhode Island, New York and Maryland, according to Senate staff.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, the bill’s prime sponsor.
“It extends what the voters of this state have already said they want to do for people.”
The measure enjoyed wide support among Democrats.
It cleared the state House on a 58-39 vote, with most members voting along party lines — including yes votes from both North Olympic Peninsula representatives: Kevin Van De Wege and Steve Tharinger, Democrats from Sequim.
In the state Senate, where it passed 28-19, the only Democrats voting against the measure both hail from the Olympic Peninsula: Sens. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam, and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch. Hargrove’s 24th District includes Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was the lone senator to speak on the floor against the bill, arguing there was no need for it because same-sex couples already qualify for domestic partnerships.
But Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, said that because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages, states have to step in to clarify their laws.
Supporters say the bill approved Wednesday is another victory for Washington’s domestic partnership law, which was created in 2007 after years of lobbying by gay activists.
“What we have witnessed is progress,” said Josh Friedes, advocacy director for Equal Rights Washington.
However, he said because the federal government still does not recognize same-sex couples, the public “should not think that gay and lesbian families are adequately protected in Washington.”
“They remain very vulnerable,” Friedes said.
“Most states don’t provide reciprocity. When Washington couples travel outside, they remain especially vulnerable.”
Liquor samples
Also Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill that would establish a pilot program for booze sampling in the state’s liquor stores.
Senators approved the measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. Sam Hunt of Olympia on a 31-17 vote.
The measure directs the state to create a yearlong pilot program starting in September.
Under the program, 30 liquor stores across the state would offer samples of local and out-of-state liquor.
The samples would not be larger than one-quarter of an ounce, and total samples would not exceed an ounce of liquor, or less than a regular shot glass.
The bill now heads to the House after an amendment was added in the Senate.
Supporters say the program will help produce revenue for the state.
Continuing taxes
Senators on Wednesday also heard testimony on a House bill that would extend taxes that were meant to be temporary to fund arts and other economic development in King County.
The measure directs revenue from taxes on hotel stays, restaurants and car rentals to fund local arts and a convention center.
The taxes outlined in the House bill are currently going toward paying off the Kingdome, Safeco Field and Qwest Field.
The Safeco Field debt is expected to be paid within the year.
The House bill extends the 0.5 percent restaurant tax until 2015, even if the Safeco debt is paid off.
It extends indefinitely a 2 percent car rental to raise revenue.
Supporters said expanding the convention center will create several thousand new jobs — much-needed employment growth as the state struggles to come out of the recession.
Opponents said lawmakers should keep their promise of ending the taxes when the stadiums are paid off.
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Manuel Valdes of The Associated Press’ Olympia bureau contributed to this report.
