Intent: HB 1649 would recognize out-of-state "same-sex" marriages as domestic partnerships in Washington. The bill further states that husband and wife will be construed as being gender neutral and apply to domestic partnerships. HB 1649 says that all future laws related to marriage and family apply equally to domestic partnerships unless the legislation specifically states otherwise.
Talking Points:
- HB 1649 puts us one step closer to redefining marriage in Washington state.
- HB 1649 undermines Washington state's Defense of Marriage Act that was passed in 1998.
- The people of Washington do not want to redefine marriage.
- HB 1649 removes a clause that states that marriages are not recognized as domestic partnerships. Domestic partnerships are not equivalent to marriages, nor are marriages equivalent to domestic partnerships. Marriage does not fundamentally come from the government and therefore the government should not attempt to redefine it.
- Marriage can only truly be between a husband and wife, a man and a woman. Every man and woman who marries is capable of giving any child they conceive (or adopt) a mother and a father. No same-sex couples can do this; therefore, laws related to marriage and family should not apply equally to domestic partnerships.
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