Washington State Domestic Partner Law Takes Effect

Neat! Hey, it's not marriage, but it's a start. Via Towleroad:

News outlets are reporting that "dozens" of couples are lining up at government offices around Washington state today to register as domestic partners under a law that took effect over the weekend.

According to The Olympian, "Couples registered as domestic partners will get enhanced rights, including hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations and inheritance rights when there is no will. But domestic partners aren't getting all the rights that traditionally married couples have, and the registry is not the same as civil unions offered to gay couples in other states. To be registered, couples must share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18."

Now, I wonder if Dan Savage is signed up to get hitched?

Domestic Partnership Bill in New Mexico: HB 603

I picked this up in my email. I just read the text of the bill. It basically says "marriage" without legally calling it "marriage." -- in fact "a domestic partnership has the same rights, protections and benefits under law as a spouse in a marriage." Please support this.

My name is Eddy Methola I am seeking support for bill HB603. This has to do with passing domestic Partnership in New Mexico.
What will a Domestic Partnership do?

Domestic Partnership will formally recognize domestic partners by giving all of the NM state rights, benefits, protections, responsibilities and obligations of New Mexico civil marriage in the areas of:

• Death & Inheritance
• Insurance benefits
• Health care decision-making
• Family Relationship
• Dissolution of a Domestic Partnership

Tomorrow (March 20, 2007) @ noon the senate of New Mexico will vote on the domestic partnership bill.
I'm asking each and every one of you please click on the below link and tell your senators to VOTE YES!

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/NMHB603

View the Bill