State to Recognize Out of State Same Sex Marriages

A landmark victory for same-sex couples happened in Washington State last week when lawmakers voted 58-39 on Friday to make same-sex marriages from out of state as valid as in-state marriages.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who believed that it was unjust for same-sex marriages to not enjoy the same protections that state-registered domestic partnerships could enjoy. She went on to say that "this bill is about fairness for all families. Right now, there's a hole in the law."

Back in 2009 voters agreed to move the rights and protections granted to marriages to domestic partnerships. This current bill now completes the cycle, allowing out-of-state gay marriages to be recognized as in-state domestic partnerships. However, Jinkins was quick to point out that this does not mean same-sex marriages will be seen as a marriage under Washington law.

Are you considering domestic partnership and want to learn more about your rights? Don't hesitate to speak with a family law attorney who can help.