Is gay marriage legal in washington

Christine Gregoire for her signature of the historic bill extending marriage to gay and lesbian couples. HRC is proud to have been a founding member of the campaign to pass the marriage bill and to have worked on the ground with state partners. The Human Rights Campaign made a significant commitment of resources to the successful efforts to achieve marriage equality in Washington in Additionally, Washington helped recruit business support and also released a video with Gov.

Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, along with Gov. Gregoire, who were incredible leaders in this effort. Pending the referendum process, Washington now joins six other states — Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont — plus the District of Columbia in recognizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples under state law.

At this time, 8 states—California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Rhode Island—provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Colorado, Maine, and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits.

Maryland recognizes marriages of same-sex couples validly entered into outside of the jurisdiction. California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November ofbefore voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality.

Couples married in that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, somewhere between domestic partnerships and marriage.

The Proposition gay vote has been struck down in federal court, but the decision has been stayed pending review. Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state. For an electronic map showing where marriage equality stands in the states, please visit: www. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves legal fairness and equality for all.

To make a general inquiry, please visit our contact page. Members of the media can reach our press office at: or email press hrc.

Washington State Makes History with Marriage Equality Law

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