Couples’ rights

When you marry, it’s not just a surface change in living arrangements, explains writer and psychologist Thomas Moore. It is “a shift in being, in your identity, and entire outlook. That is its promise and its pain.”

In Washington’s Legislature last session, lawmakers established a domestic partnership registry for same-sex couples. It was a big step, but it just touched the surface of the many issues faced by committed couples. Pending in the state’s House and Senate now are bills designed to deepen the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners, reflecting the deeper issues involved in long-term relationships.

Some sections of the bills address the pain of relationships. Domestic partners would be required to end their partnerships through the courts, mirroring divorce law. Property would be divided equitably, mirroring Washington’s community property requirements. If police arrive at a household where partners battle, domestic violence laws would apply.

The proposed bills reflect how long-term partnerships change identity. Couples are seen as a connected unit; if one partner runs for office, the financial status of the other partner must be disclosed.

And the proposed bills enable couples to keep their promises of growing old together; domestic partners would be able to share nursing home rooms.

The gay rights issue has parallels with the civil rights movement in the 20th century. At some point, it will seem unthinkable that gay and lesbian citizens didn’t enjoy full protection under the law. For instance, the proposed state legislation would open veteran relief programs to domestic partners, mirroring relief programs now open to spouses. Yet under federal law, gay and lesbian military personnel are kicked out of the armed forces if their sexual orientation is discovered.

State lawmakers have been forced into this piecemeal approach to equal protection for domestic partners. A same-sex marriage law would solve almost all the issues here, but that’s unlikely until society changes its outlook on gay marriage. In the interim, these additional rights and responsibilities should be extended to Washington’s domestic partners.