Washington State Domestic Partnerships One Step Closer: SB-5336 Passes Senate

For many of Washington State's domestic partners, today marks a surprising victory in the State Senate. In a 28 to 19 vote, the Senate passed SB-5336 granting same-sex partners many rights previously granted only to heterosexual married couples. The bill, sponsored by a coalition of openly gay state Legislators, was initially expected to fail during this first attempt. Now, with the House expected to approve a similar bill and Governor Christine Gregoire promising to sign the bill into law -- it seems domestic partnerships may become a reality in the Evergreen State!

I've reported on the topic of equal rights for the State's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community on Sirius OutQ New (ch. 109). You can hear clips of past stories here:

• Sirius OutQ News: WA State Introducing Marriage Equality Legislation (01/10/07)
  
• Sirius OutQ News: WA State Gay Marriage Ruling Protest Rally (07/27/06)

For more on this story:

• Seattle Times: Domestic partnership bill passes state Senate
  
• Read the bill: SB-5336 (Washington State Legislature)
  

Seattle Pride Owes Seattle Center $100k

Listen to my radio report for Sirius Satellite Radio's OutQ ch. 109!

SEATTLE -- Seattle's 2007 Gay Pride is at risk with recent disclosure of a $100k debt owed by event organizers Seattle Out And Proud (SOAP) to the City of Seattle (owners of Seattle Center). Seattle Gay News broke the story Friday, I filed a report (mp3) for Sirius OutQ News on satellite radio (channel 109) today. Related Links: Sirius OutQ News: Seattle's 2007 Pride in Jeopardy, Owes Seattle Center $100k  (listen to my radio report!) Take a look back at my photos from Pride 2006 at Seattle Center (view and purchase my photos!) For more on this story, check out: SGN | Seattle Gay Blog | Seattle Times Hopefully all sides can work out an agreement and we can have a great 2007 Pride! :-/  If not, anyone want to go to San Francisco that weekend?  hehe --BMW.