OLYMPIA, Wash. —The Washington Legislature has approved a measure that recognizes out-of-state domestic partnerships.
On a 28-19 vote, the Senate cleared the last hurdle for the bill. It now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s desk.
Under the measure, gay marriages performed elsewhere would be recognized as domestic partnerships here, as well as domestic partnerships performed in other states.
Currently, five states, the District of Columbia and Canada allow same-sex marriages. Washington becomes the fourth state to approve a similar bill, following Rhode Island, New York and Maryland.
The measure enjoyed wide support among Democrats. It passed the House 58-39, mostly on party-line votes.
In the Senate, four Republicans voted for the measure.
