Vote yes to keep law, protections

I love Edmonds. I have lived here for over 40 years and the last 20 with my life partner. We own our home, and we have great neighbors, two dogs and a cat. Our house is located where we can see the Sound to the west and the mountains to the east.

Sometimes those two elements create what those of us who live here know oh so well as the “convergence zone.”

There is another convergence zone forming across this state. It also comprises two elements ... one is to preserve the domestic partnership laws that have already been passed by the Legislature, and the second to take away those rights that provide legal protections married couples enjoy every day. In addition to protecting gay families who are denied the right to marry, the domestic partnership law provides protection to older couples (gay or straight) where one partner is at least 62 years of age.

In October, voters will receive their November ballots in the mail. On the ballot Referendum 71 will ask voters to approve or reject the domestic partnership law.

Please consider this when deciding your vote. The referendum process and wording can be very confusing. In this case a vote to approve Ref. 71 will keep in place the bill passed by the Legislature. This bill gives state-registered domestic partners rights such as hospital visitation and child support. A no vote will take away those protections. This law does not infringe on anyone else’s rights.

Regarding my hometown, I like living in a convergence zone: the skies are always changing. You may not recognize us on the streets, in the stores or on the beach, but we are here and we are a part of this community. Just like you.

Please vote to approve Ref. 71.

Melissa Barran
Jo Ann Hartline
Edmonds