I read with interest Rev. Jensen’s Thursday letter regarding consequences of Referendum 74 redefining of marriage. (“Failure to address real consequences.”) Here are some other unmentioned consequences for your consideration. Do not make decisions based on emotions or verbal assurances, please read the law.
If Referendum 74 is approved then gender-neutral verbiage is required on all legal/state forms. You will no longer be Mr. and Mrs. Jones, but gender neutral spouse 1 and spouse 2 Jones.
If Referendum 74 is approved, by 2014 all registered domestic partners will become legally married under state law. This means that all assets, property, vehicles, etc., will be equally owed by both partners and all debts are the responsibility of both. To separate. they will need to get a divorce. This is a community property state. But, how can that be? None of the requirements of a civil marriage have been fulfilled. Requirements are: A state-approved person must preside over an exchange of vows or promises, there must be at least two witnesses, the marriage license must be signed and registered. Referendum 74 says no requirements are needed.
Domestic partnerships will be legal if one of the partners is at least 62 year of age. All other domestic partnerships will be eliminated by 2014. But laws can’t be made that discriminate against race, gender or age. Referendum 74 says they can.
Domestic partners that don’t want to be married can go to the state and dissolve their partnership. If they do, all the rights granted to them by the voters under the “everything but marriage law” will be taken from them. Domestic partnerships for younger people will not exist.
Please read and reject Referendum 74. Protect marriage and younger domestic partnerships.
Pat Jack
Snohomish
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