Gov. Gregoire�s statement on extending federal benefits to domestic partners

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement today on President Obama�s decision to extend some federal benefits to domestic partners of federal employees:

�I commend President Obama for recognizing the need to respect and protect all families. Our state has been a leader in advancing basic rights to registered domestic partners and we continue to pass legislation to offer additional protections to gay and lesbian families. This past legislative session, I signed a bill to expand all of the rights and responsibilities afforded to married couples to registered domestic partners. This legislation assures better financial security and ensures equal treatment for gay and lesbian families living in Washington state.

�Washington understands that we thrive on diversity. Our president understands that as well. It is encouraging that the federal government is beginning to follow our lead to provide every citizen with the basic rights and benefits we all deserve.�