(Photo: people waiting to testify at a House hearing re: domestic partnerships in February.)

Foes of the state's new "everything but marriage" law plan to file a referendum at noon today at the Secretary of State's elections office in Olympia, according to Dave Ammons, a spokesman for Secretary of State Sam Reed.

The measure's apparently being filed by Larry Stickney, president of the Washington Values Alliance, and supporters.

The bill, expected to be signed into law soon by Gov. Chris Gregoire, expands the rights and responsibilities of same sex (and heterosexual senior citizen) domestic partners, granting them most of rights of spouses. It does not allow same-sex marriage. But foes of the legislation, including Stickney, argue that the changes set the stage for a court challenge that could lead to same-sex marriage.

Stickney and supporters would have until July 25th to gather 120,577 valid voter signatures, according to Ammons. If they get enough, the measure would appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for voters to decide.

The filing also means that the new law will be suspended until the referendum is decided.

 

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