Gov. Christine Gregoire on Monday signed legislation giving registered same-sex domestic partners the same rights and benefits currently afforded married couples. We think that is fine for a couple of reasons:
1. It doesn't hurt anyone and enfranchises more into society. We're talking about giving marital rights to two consenting adults who love each other. Should one get sick, the other, under the new legislation, would not get roadblocked by hospital staff when trying to visit their spouse as they would be considered a family member.
2. Marriage promotes a strong, societal and economic foundation. With gay and lesbian couples getting marital status they get to pay taxes and reap the tax breaks too, as all married couples do. If and when dependents come along, the tax breaks would continue - government rewards for rearing future tax payers. That means more money in state and Fed coffers for things like education.
The law will take effect July 26, but opponents could nix it if they get a measure put on the ballot in November. Let's hope not.[[In-content Ad]]
