OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Voters in Washington state are deciding whether or not to approve the state's new "everything but marriage" law.
Referendum 71 asks voters to "approve" or "reject" the final expansion to the state's domestic partnership law, which grants registered domestic partners additional state-granted rights currently given only to married couples.
Opponents to the new law say it is a threat to traditional marriage. Supporters of gay rights say same-sex couples need additional legal protections and rights.
The expanded law adds benefits including the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner, and rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.
©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
