Published: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 12:01 a.m.
‘Everything but marriage’ referendum on ballot
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OLYMPIA — A referendum that could overturn Washington’s “everything but marriage” domestic partnership law has qualified for the November ballot.
Referendum supporters — those who want to stop the law — promise a grassroots campaign “par excellence” in the months ahead.
“We think it’s a great issue for the people of the state of Washington to weigh in on,” said Larry Stickney of Arlington, Protect Marriage Washington’s leader. “We’re anxious to get into the campaign mode.”
The Secretary of State’s Office said Monday that sponsors of Referendum 71 had 121,486 valid petition signatures — enough to put the newly expanded domestic partnership law to a public vote.
The measure would expand existing domestic partnerships to give gay and lesbian couples all the state-provided benefits already provided to married heterosexual couples. The law also would apply to heterosexual couples in which at least one person is 62 years or older.
Both sides plan a door-to-door effort to get out their message in the months ahead.
“It’s about the core rights that are important to all families,” said Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, who supports the domestic partnership law. “The issue of who should get married under state law is a debate for a different day.”
The law would give families the tools they need to survive these tough economic times, Liias said.
The law’s opponents say they have 100,000 supporters ready to tell people why it shouldn’t pass.
“They’re going to be contacting other people,” said Gary Randall, president of the Bellevue-based Faith and Freedom Network and spokesman for the Protect Marriage coalition. “They will be working their communities, including their churches, friends, families and neighbors.”
Depending on fundraising, the coalition might buy airtime with local broadcasters, Randall said.
The partnership law was supposed to take effect on July 26, but was delayed until the signature count was complete. Now, it won’t become law unless it is approved in the Nov. 3 election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Referendum supporters — those who want to stop the law — promise a grassroots campaign “par excellence” in the months ahead.
“We think it’s a great issue for the people of the state of Washington to weigh in on,” said Larry Stickney of Arlington, Protect Marriage Washington’s leader. “We’re anxious to get into the campaign mode.”
The Secretary of State’s Office said Monday that sponsors of Referendum 71 had 121,486 valid petition signatures — enough to put the newly expanded domestic partnership law to a public vote.
The measure would expand existing domestic partnerships to give gay and lesbian couples all the state-provided benefits already provided to married heterosexual couples. The law also would apply to heterosexual couples in which at least one person is 62 years or older.
Both sides plan a door-to-door effort to get out their message in the months ahead.
“It’s about the core rights that are important to all families,” said Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, who supports the domestic partnership law. “The issue of who should get married under state law is a debate for a different day.”
The law would give families the tools they need to survive these tough economic times, Liias said.
The law’s opponents say they have 100,000 supporters ready to tell people why it shouldn’t pass.
“They’re going to be contacting other people,” said Gary Randall, president of the Bellevue-based Faith and Freedom Network and spokesman for the Protect Marriage coalition. “They will be working their communities, including their churches, friends, families and neighbors.”
Depending on fundraising, the coalition might buy airtime with local broadcasters, Randall said.
The partnership law was supposed to take effect on July 26, but was delayed until the signature count was complete. Now, it won’t become law unless it is approved in the Nov. 3 election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Story tags » • Family • Gay marriage
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