March 1, 2007

OLYMPIA…In Senate action today, Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, proposed an amendment to the homosexual marriage bill that would send the issue to the ballot for the people of Washington to decide.  

Senate Bill 5336 establishes a domestic partnership registry for same-sex couples and affords the partners rights which are now reserved for married couples. 

“This bill is about homosexual marriage benefits, and the majority of the people in Washington do not want to go in that direction,” Benton said. “That’s why this measure should go to the ballot. Let the people have a choice in this matter.” 

During debate on his amendment, Benton shared with his colleagues the results of two recent polls showing that voters want to have the final say on homosexual marriage issues and that the majority of voters support traditional marriage as a union between one man and one woman. 

“This bill is about legalizing marriage between people of the same sex,” Benton said. “That is the stated goal of the sponsors of this legislation, which makes it imperative that we send it to the ballot. I trust the voters to determine what this bill is really about.” 

Benton’s amendment was defeated 18 to 30 generally along party lines, with the exceptions of Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlach, who voted for the amendment.  

During debate on final passage of the bill, Benton provided information that showed all of the benefits in the bill are already available through other means such as health care directives, powers of attorney, quick claims and wills. 

“All of these documents can be purchased inexpensively at many stores and can be completed without an attorney,” Benton said. “This bill is an attempt to undermine traditional marriage. It is clearly a step toward homosexual marriage and it is absolutely unnecessary for the reasons stated by the sponsors.” 

SB 5336 passed the Senate on a vote of 28 to 19.  It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

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Additional contact: Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522 or penny.drost@leg.wa.gov