Rights should be for all

Warning! Referendum 71 attack ads on the way! The “reject 71” team is erroneously claiming that the bill redefines marriage to include homosexual relationships. This is patently false.

When voters approve Referendum 71, same sex couples will still not be allowed to apply for a marriage license with the county auditor. When Referendum 71 is approved the law passed this spring will go into effect. This law grants legal protections to same-sex couples and seniors over the age of 62.

Some of the rights that would be denied domestic partners if the referendum is rejected are rights of business succession, right to take sick leave to care for a loved one and the right to unpaid wages in the event of a death.

As a voter you need to ask yourself which of these rights should same-sex couples be denied? Washington state has families that are of mixed race, where grandparents care for their grandchildren, families where divorced parents remarry, single-parent families and over 12,000 registered same-sex families. Can you honestly say that all those families deserve legal protections in times of crisis except same-sex families? Support all Washington families and vote to approve Referendum 71.

Jim Jones

Spokane