Press

MEDIA CONTACT:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
(Cell) 202.641.5592
isorensen@theTaskForce.org

WASHINGTON, April 16 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force applauds the Washington Legislature's passage of a bill expanding the rights and responsibilities associated with the state's domestic partnership registry. Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign it. The House passed the legislation last night by a 62-35 vote, following the Senate's passage on March 11 by a 30-18 vote.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"This measure will bring same-sex couples in Washington state one step closer to realizing equal treatment under the law. Particularly in times of economic crisis, it is vital that same-sex couples and their families have access to health care and other critical protections provided through this legislation.

"While clearly not a substitute for legal marriage, it is a step in the right direction. We congratulate Equal Rights Washington for its hard work to advance this important legislation, and we look forward to the day when full legal marriage is a reality for same-sex couples in Washington state."

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The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we also have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and Cambridge.