On Sunday, July 26, a mere 24 hours following the collection of signatures in Olympia to place the domestic partnership initiative Referendum 71 on the Nov. 3 ballot, West Seattle residents Matthew Darling and Ray Burley got “hitched” at a reception at the Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. The happy couple did not wait around for the final vote* count, which may take well over a week to total. And regardless of its outcome, same-sex marriage will still not be legally recognized in Washington. *Ed., petition signature count

Washington state officials are ready to verify signatures for a proposed referendum on Washington state’s newly expanded domestic partnership law. Secretary of State Sam Reed said Thursday that supporters of Referendum 71 turned in 137,689 signatures, about 14 percent more than the minimum needed to win a place on the November ballot. The average historic error rate is 18 percent.

The League of Education Voters works to create an educational system in which every student has an equal and adequate opportunity to succeed in work and in life. Washington’s children are our first and most important constituents.

Citizen-founded and citizen-funded, LEV is the only Washington-based organization working to improve education from early learning through higher education. This wide lens allows us to identify promising reforms across the educational spectrum and unite diverse constituencies who might otherwise remain focused on narrow agendas.

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Community is a warm, friendly, and joyful home for diverse ideas and lifestyles. Our worship will challenge and reward you spiritually and intellectually with sermons and reflection, religious education and discussion, meditation and prayer, the sharing of joys and sorrows, moments of silence, and other spiritual rituals. 

Our congregation supports the larger community in many ways: providing lunch to Habitat for Humanity workers, clothing and blanket collections for the homeless, and helping supply the local food bank with items for people with special dietary needs.

 You will always find a warm welcome and a friendly face at All Souls.

We, the members of Temple B’nai Torah, a Reform Jewish congregation, strive to build a caring, inclusive K’hillah K’doshah (sacred community) and to fulfill the covenant between God and Am Yisrael (the Jewish People) by engaging together in the primary Jewish acts of Torah, Avodah and G’milut Hasadim – study, prayer and acts of loving kindness.

If Christian conservatives succeed in putting gay rights up to a public vote this November, allowing voters to reverse a gay-rights bill that passed in spring, there’s one explanation for how they did it: They lied. Campaigners have insisted that domestic partnerships are actually gay marriage (less popular in polls) and that equal rights will require teaching public-school children about “graphic gay sex practices.” They even tricked gay-marriage supporters into signing the petition.

SEATTLE, Wash. – According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Protect Marriage Washington, the conservative organization that has been collecting signatures in an attempt to repeal the Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009, has collected sufficient signatures to meet the threshold for the Secretary of State to begin the process of signature validation. The group needs 120,577 valid signatures to qualify Referendum 71 for the November ballot, only about four percent of the state’s registered voters. The Secretary of State will scan all the petitions and by mid-week and then start verifying signatures.

Washington Families Standing Together is not a party to the litigation. We understand there are competing points of view on the obligation of the Secretary of State to release names of petition signers.  Some are concerned that such disclosure might somehow restrict the right of voters to participate in the initiative/referenda process, some support full disclosure and transparency of any government public records and urge that government be as broad as possible in disclosure of all records.  Still others are troubled that everyone who registers as a domestic partner is required to have their name listed publicly online with the Secretary of State, even as those signing petitions to repeal domestic partnerships don’t think their names should be listed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Josh Friedes, Washington Families Standing Together, 206-324-2570

Washington Families Standing Together is not a party to the litigation. We understand there are competing points of view on the obligation of the Secretary of State to release names of petition signers.  Some are concerned that such disclosure might somehow restrict the right of voters to participate in the initiative/referenda process, some support full disclosure and transparency of any government public records and urge that government be as broad as possible in disclosure of all records.  Still others are troubled that everyone who registers as a domestic partner is required to have their name listed publicly online with the Secretary of State, even as those signing petitions to repeal domestic partnerships don’t think their names should be listed.

We want to make sure that this litigation doesn’t distract voters from learning about the lives of gay and lesbian and senior families and the important protections that the domestic partnership law provides these families.  The domestic partnership law protects thousands of domestic partners across the state, many with children, serving our communities in such roles as firefighters, police officers, teachers or nursing home workers. Referendum 71 would roll back the law, eliminate those protections, and hurt these families.  Our coalition of more than 120 organizations and 90 clergy, religious leaders and faith-based organizations is reaching out to voters to make sure they know they have to vote APPROVE Referendum 71 in order to keep the law from being repealed.

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Founded in 1992, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, is the first and only national organization of Asian Pacific American (APA) union members.  Over 600,000 APA workers have joined unions and are seeking better pay, improved benefits, dignity on the job, and a voice in the workplace.  Backed with strong support of the AFL-CIO, APALA has 11 chapters and pre-chapters and a national office in Washington, D.C.

Six of the eight candidates for King County executive primary race gathered for a forum July 28 in Federal Way. Susan Hutchison, Fred Jarrett, Ross Hunter, Larry Phillips, Dow Constantine and Alan Lodbell stated their views for voters from South King County at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. …All six candidates said they did not sign Referendum 71, a controversial petition seeking to overturn the expansion of domestic partnership rights in Washington state.

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We celebrate God’s presence in transformational worship.

Mission:

We communicate God’s Word through our daily words and works by offering various support groups including support for people with HIV/AIDS and those who are socally and financially disadvantaged.

Membership:

We incorporate all of God’s family into our fellowship by supporting a diverse and multi-cultural community.

I was sorry to see opponents of sensible legislation giving gay and lesbian partners most of the rights of married couples turning in what might be a sufficient number of signatures to overturn the new law. Just what we need: a fall campaign that reignites the social wars in Washington – not!

When the state passed a law in 2007 creating domestic partnerships, Michele Gaynor and Nina Perry registered the first day the state accepted applications. They lived together in a South Kitsap development, but their three-bedroom home off Sedgwick Road was in Gaynor’s name. The two had married in Canada in 2004, but that marriage wasn’t recognized by Washington state, leaving Perry vulnerable if something happened to Gaynor. “Her next of kin — of course they love me, but they could take the house away from me,” Perry said.

Sponsors of a campaign to overturn the state’s recent “everything but marriage” domestic partnership law turned in their petition signatures Saturday and said they believe they have enough to force a public vote.

That’s the upshot today as Christian activists turned in stacks of petition signatures at the Office of the Secretary of State for Referendum 71.

More than 5,000 Washington families and couples have registered as domestic partners. These are your neighbors, children, grandparents, friends and coworkers. These are our teachers, our firefighters, our social workers and healthcare workers. If someone asks you to sign Referendum 71, first ask yourself “do I really want to be responsible for taking away someone’s rights – taking away someone’s children’s healthcare, taking away someone’s pension, taking away someone’s right to visit their partner in the hospital?” — Ann Russell, Bellingham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 24, 2009

Contact: Josh Friedes, Washington Families Standing Together, cell 206-324-2570

Referendum 71 Signature Verification Process Underway

SEATTLE, Wash. – According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Protect Marriage Washington, the conservative organization that has been collecting signatures in an attempt to repeal the Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009, has collected sufficient signatures to meet the threshold for the Secretary of State to begin the process of signature validation. The group needs 120,577 valid signatures to qualify Referendum 71 for the November ballot, only about four percent of the state’s registered voters. The Secretary of State will scan all the petitions and by mid-week and then start verifying signatures.

The groups trying to repeal the domestic partnership law began collecting signatures immediately after the Governor signed the law in May, and although a referendum requires only half the signatures of an initiative to be placed on the ballot, the number of signatures collected appears to be barely enough to qualify, if all signatures are confirmed as being valid.

This was the second attempt in the last three years by religious conservatives to repeal a law protecting gay and lesbian individuals. In 2006, Tim Eyman led an effort with these same groups to collect signatures in an attempt to repeal the state’s anti-discrimination law protecting gays and lesbians from job and housing discrimination. They failed to collect enough signatures to get that referendum on the ballot.

“The fact that this referendum may be on the ballot and that the law providing legal and financial protections for their families might be repealed would be very disheartening to the over 5,000 couples, many with children, who are registered with the state as domestic partners,” said Josh Friedes of Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST). “The idea that people have to campaign to keep their rights and protect their families is just wrong. Washingtonians are good and caring people. They want to ensure all families are equally protected and do not want to see their neighbors hurt in this way.”

According to WAFST, the outpouring of support by those offering to work against any attempt to repeal the domestic partnership law has been remarkable and shows no signs of stopping. In only eight weeks, a broad array of over 120 organizations – faith-based groups, labor unions, seniors, communities of color, children’s organizations, firefighters, teachers, statewide and local groups – have joined the WAFST coalition dedicated to preventing the domestic partnership law from being repealed. While opponents of the law were using paid signature-gatherers in an attempt to repeal the law, over 40,000 people pledged to decline to sign the petitions to put Referendum 71 on the ballot, editorial boards all across the state urged voters to retain the law, and more than 85 clergy and congregations signed a faith statement in support of the domestic partnership law.

Since it is often the case that some petition signatures are not valid, members of WAFST will be keeping a close eye on the signature count. “We support the democratic process but if this law is repealed thousands of families will be left without legal and financial protections, so we must take all prudent steps to make sure the process used is correct,” said Friedes. “If the referendum does move forward we are prepared to wage a winning campaign and it will be made much easier because so many voters, fully 77 percent, according to the University of Washington poll, support legal recognition of gay and lesbian families,” said Friedes.

The Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009 is the third of three specific laws designed to protect domestic partnership rights. The signature validation process by the Secretary of State could take several days. If Referendum 71 does make it to the ballot, voters wishing to keep the domestic partnership law intact, would vote to retain it by voting “approve”.

To view the complete list of organizations in support of the Domestic Partnership Expansion Law, see below or visit the Washington Families Standing Together Web site: www.wafst.org.

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Organizations in the WAFST Coalition Supporting the Domestic Partnership Law
(as of 7-24-09)

1 Childhaven
2 Children’s Alliance
3 Washington State Council of Firefighters
4 Senior Services
5 Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans
6 Washington State Senior Citizens Lobby
7 Associated Ministries of Pierce County
8 Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
9 Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center
10 Entre Hermanos
11 Jewish Family Service
12 Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Seattle
13 Minority Executive Directors Coalition
14 Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services Seattle/King County
15 Washington State Psychological Association
16 Anti-Defamation League
17 NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
18 Washington Education Association
19 Japanese American Citizens League
20 Lutheran Public Policy Network of Washington State
21 One America
22 Congregation Kol Ami
23 Economic Opportunity Institute
24 Women’s Funding Alliance
25 Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington
26 Unite Here Local 8
27 Central Washington Progress
28 YWCA Clark County
29 YWCA Kitsap County
30 SEIU Healthcare Local 775NW
31 Latino Political Action Committee
32 American Jewish Committee
33 National Association of Social Workers—Washington State Chapter
34 National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
35 Lake Washington Educational Association
36 Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington State
37 Raising Our Asian Pacific American Representation
38 American Federation of Teachers
39 Compassion and Choices
40 Vancouver United Church of Christ
41 King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
42 New Americans Action Fund
43 Religious Coalition for Equality
44 Safe Schools Coalition
45 Teamsters Local 117
46 Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
47 UFCW Local 21
48 Vancouver Firefighters Union IAFF Local 452
49 Sahngnoksoo
50 Equal Rights Washington
51 American Civil Liberties Union
52 First United Methodist Church of Tacoma
53 Snohomish County Democrats
54 Inland Northwest Business Alliance
55 Micah Project – Tacoma
56 Pride Foundation
57 Seattle Men’s Chorus
58 Seattle Women’s Chorus
59 Seattle University Outlaws
60 Cedar River Clinics
61 Inland Northwest LGBT Center
62 People for Peace, Justice, and Healing
63 Pride at Work
64 Blue Mountain Heart to Heart
65 Inlaws & Outlaws
66 Queer Kidz
67 Tacoma Rainbow Center
68 CREDO Mobile
69 Morningside Academy
70 Out In Tacoma
71 QLaw
72 Tacoma Lesbian Concern
73 Inland Oasis
74 Puget Sound Chapter, OLOC
75 Ingersoll Gender Center
76 Legal Voice
77 Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane
78 PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside
79 PFLAG Bellingham
80 PFLAG Everett/Snohomish
81 PFLAG Friday Harbor
82 PFLAG Kitsap
83 PFLAG Lower Columbia
84 PFLAG Tacoma
85 PFLAG Olympia
86 PFLAG Seattle
87 PFLAG Skagit/Sedro-Woolley
88 PFLAG Southwest Washington
89 PFLAG Spokane
90 PFLAG Walla Walla
91 Seattle Out and Proud/Seattle Pride
92 Whatcom Human Rights Task Force
93 Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Social Justice Committee
94 Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee
95 Human Rights Campaign
96 Lambda Legal
97 El Centro de la Raza
98 Washington State Stonewall Democrats
99 Lifelong AIDS Alliance
100 Art With Heart
101 Kitsap County HIV AIDS Foundation
102 Organization for Research and Learning
103 Pinay Sa Seattle
104 Seattle Gay News
105 Greater Seattle Business Association
106 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
107 Pierce County AIDS Foundation
108 Green River Community College GSA
109 Washington Gender Alliance
110 American Friends Service Committee
111 Fuse
112 Join the Impact
113 Spokane GLBT Film Festival
114 Tacoma United for Fairness
115 Vista Youth Center
116 Temple Beth Am
117 Tacoma Social Justice
118 Washington Bus
119 Seattle Chapter National Organization for Women
120 National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington
121 Seattle First Baptist Church

Excerpts from newspapers around the state in support of the Domestic Partnership Law.

Download PDF

SEATTLE, Wash. – More than 85 clergy, religious leaders from faith communities and faith-based organizations from all across Washington state, released a joint statement today to announce their strong support for the Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill of 2009, which is being threatened with repeal by Referendum 71.

“Although people have the right to believe what they’re called to believe, this right does not include the permission to impose those beliefs on others,” said The Rev. Michael Denton, Conference Minister, Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Church of Christ.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 24, 2009

Contact: Rev. Paul Benz, Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State, 206-390-4133

Josh Friedes, Washington Families Standing Together, 206-324-2570

Religious Leaders Announce Support of Domestic Partnership Law

SEATTLE, Wash. – More than 85 clergy, religious leaders from faith communities and faith-based organizations from all across Washington state, released a joint statement today to announce their strong support for the Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill of 2009, which is being threatened with repeal by Referendum 71.

“Although people have the right to believe what they’re called to believe, this right does not include the permission to impose those beliefs on others,” said The Rev. Michael Denton, Conference Minister, Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Church of Christ. “The effort to deny same-sex partners and seniors the legal protections of domestic partnership is an effort to deny the rights of one group of people in order to impose the religious sensibilities of another group of people on everyone in the State of Washington. To protect the rights of domestic partners harms no one. Removing these rights would be immoral and unfair,” he said.

The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop, Olympia Diocese of the Episcopal Church USA, said, “It is, and will always be, for each faith tradition to decide what marriages it will perform and what marriages it will recognize, but this referendum is about domestic partnerships.” Bishop Rickel said it is wrong to withhold the basic legal rights provided by the domestic partnership law because some object to the legal recognition of gay and lesbian relationships. “To deny them, as well as seniors who are joined in domestic partnerships, the basic rights provided by the law threatens both families and our tradition of religious liberty,” said Bishop Rickel.

“I feel compelled to speak out in support of the domestic partnership law,” said Rabbi James Mirel, Senior Rabbi of Temple B’nai Torah. “Not only do I as a Rabbi find it harsh that there is an attempt to take away rights from loving families, I know from my history as a Jew that all too often the problems faced by a society are blamed on minorities,” said Rabbi Mirel. “The arguments being made against the domestic partnership law are dangerous because they suggest that providing gay and lesbian families with civil rights will somehow harm our society. The domestic partnership law strengthens families and is good for all of Washington.”

“As people of faith, we view the role of religion to nurture and support families, not to cast some aside,” said Rev. Paul Benz, Director of the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State. “To deny gay and lesbian families and older couples their basic rights because of the beliefs of a few Christian right organizations threatens not only those families but our collective commitment to each other.”

Earlier this week, Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST), the statewide coalition supporting the domestic partnership law, announced that more than 40,000 individuals and over 115 organizations of all types have joined WAFST to oppose any attempt to repeal the law.

The Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill of 2009, adopted by the Legislature this past session, ensures that all Washington families are treated equally by providing the same rights and responsibilities to domestic partners (including heterosexual domestic partnerships where at least one partner is age 62 or older) as are provided to spouses under state law.

In 2007, the Legislature established the domestic partnership registry and granted registered couples rights to make health care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, to consent to an autopsy and manage some property rights issues. In 2008, the Legislature extended these rights to include community property rights, probate rights, joint responsibility for debts and other protections. The 2009 legislation is the third and final law to provide rights and protections for domestic partners and their families. The third law allows for death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty, pension benefits for partners of teachers and other public employees, the right to adopt a partner’s child without paying for an expensive home study and the right to use medical leave to care for a domestic partner.

FAITH LEADERS’ STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON FAMILIES
AND THE DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LAW

The undersigned religious leaders, from across Washington State, have come together to speak with one voice for all Washington families.
Religious leaders before us have spoken to end slavery, and to ensure equal rights to all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion, and race. Today, we feel compelled to speak out in support of Washington’s domestic partnership law which provides essential protections to families throughout the state.

As people of faith, we oppose any effort to take away the rights and protections provided to families through our state’s domestic partnership law.

As providers of pastoral care to families, we know that gay and lesbian couples form loving, lasting, committed relationships, raise children and grow old together. These couples and their children have the same needs and deserve the same rights as their heterosexual peers. We also know that the domestic partnership law provides important protections to non-gay couples where one partner is at least
62 years of age.

As faith leaders, we care about all Washington families. We have seen first-hand the burdens on a family facing death or illness without important legal and financial protections, from access to healthcare, to the right to visit a partner in the hospital, to the right to make medical decisions for one’s own children. We have felt the worry that exists when a parent who is a firefighter or police officer goes off to work each morning knowing that if something happens to her, there won’t be support for her family.

The domestic partnership law is about the relationship between the State and families. Clergy and faith communities will remain free, just as they always have been, and always will be, to determine for themselves their own religious matters.

We join as the signers of this statement, as a principled expression of our deeply held religious convictions. We stand in support of all of Washington’s families.

(A partial list of religious leaders and congregations signing on the Washington Families Standing Together campaign to preserve Washington state’s domestic partnership law – as of 9-8-09)

RELIGIOUS LEADERS

* Organization listed for identification purposes only.

Reverend Melissa Anthony
Pastor Maynard Atik
Revernend Sally Balmer
Reverend Paul Benz
Rabbi Will Berkovitz
Reverend George Anne Boyle
Reverend  David  Brown
Reverend Sandy Brown
Reverend John Cahall
Pastor Jocelyn K Carson
Pastor James Carter
Reverend Debra Conklin
Reverend Monica Corsaro
Pastor Craig Darling
Reverend Michael Denton
Reverend Lisa Domke
Reverend Angela Farrar
Rabbi Allison Flash
Reverend Catherine Foote
Reverend John Garlington
Executive Director Jessica Gavre — United Methodist Church*
Reverend Debbie George
Reverend Terry B. Hall
Reverend Bruce Harrington
Reverend Vincent Hart
Reverend Robert Henre
Reverend Gordon Hutchins
Reverend Dr. Beryl Ingram
Reverend Carol Jensen
Reverend Marj Johnston
Rabbi Bruce Kadden
Reverend Marilyn Kallshian
Reverend Elizabeth “Kit” Ketcham
Reverend Tamalyn Kralman
Reverend Vincent Lachina
Reverend Rich Lang
Rabbi Anson Laytner
Associate Director Nina Laboy — American Friends Service Committee*
Reverend Robert J. Lewis
Reverend John-Otto Liljenstolpe
Reverend John Lindsay
Reverend Silversity Madrazo
Rabbi Jessica Marshall
Pastor Joseph Miller
Rabbi Jim Mirel
Reverend Sharon Moe
Reverend Tad Monroe
Minister Peg Morgan
Reverend Jane Newall
Reverend Weldon Nisly
Pastor Christopher A. Nolte
Program Coordinator Timothy O’Brien — Northwest Dharma Association*
Reverend Scott Opsahl
Reverend Tim Phillips
Pastor Darrell Reeck
Reverend John Reitan
Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel
Reverend Paul Rodkey
Reverend Cheryl Rohret
Reverend Laurie Rudel
Reverend Dr. Lon Rycraft
Rabbi Daniel Septimus
Cantor David Serkin-Poole
Reverend Gary Shoemaker
Reverend David Shull
Pastor James Simpson
Rabbi Beth Singer
Rabbi Jonathan Singer
Reverend Monty Smith
Reverend David Strong
Pastor Sharon Swanson
Reverend Dr. Barbara W. ten Hove
The Reverend Arthur Vaeni
Reverend Douglas Wadkins
Father James Walley
Reverend James Watson
Rabbi Daniel Wiener
Reverend Steve Willis
Pastor Alice Woldt
Reverend Melvin Woodworth

ORGANIZATIONS
All Souls Universalists Community
American Baptist
Bethany Presbyterian Spokane
Bethany United Church of Christ
Hillel University Washington/J-Connect Seattle
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
Micah Project of First United Methodist Church of Tacoma
Olympia Diocese of the Episcopal Church USA
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Open Arms Community Church
Path of Freedom Sangha
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
Ravenna United Methodist Church
Saint Benedict Episcopal Church
Seattle First Baptist Church
Temple B’nai Torah
Temple Beth Am
Temple Beth Or
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Trinity United Methodist
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island
Wallingford United Methodist Church
Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ
Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation

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Washington state’s latest expansion of domestic partnerships for gay couples was hanging in limbo Friday as opponents announced a final push to force a public vote, calling their effort so far “too close to call.” In a statement to supporters, organizers of the Referendum 71 campaign said they should have the minimum 120,577 petition signatures needed by Saturday to qualify for the ballot. But R-71 organizer Gary Randall also said the campaign doesn’t have enough extra signatures to act as a cushion for erroneous or duplicate petition signatures, which must come from registered Washington voters.

We are a community of faith united in exploring what it means to follow the way of Jesus Christ, to be a people of God and to love and care for our neighbors. As a Church we will know no circles of exclusion, no boundaries we will not cross and no loyalties above those which we owe to God.

After opponents of gay rights kicked off an effort this summer to repeal Washington’s new “everything but marriage” law, gay rights backers in Clark County have found an unusual champion. It’s the YWCA, the nonprofit group that describes its goal as “Eliminating racism, empowering women.”

Debate over public policy is always welcome if it is productive and civil. But we are concerned the effort under way to put a referendum on the ballot aimed at overturning the state’s domestic partnership law could spawn a divisive, even hurtful, debate.

When discrimination dies, it doesn’t always go quickly or quietly. Sometimes, prejudice passes incrementally. Although a judicial ruling might serve the same purpose of kicking down a door, the legislative process often unfolds in stages.

I have said this before and I am sure I will say it again, but in this context, it certainly bears repeating: I am not gay. . . That said, while I was pleased to see the governor on Monday sign a new law granting to domestic partners all of the rights and privileges that simply come with marriage, it just does not go far enough.

Sadly, in this world full of emails and instant messages, text messages and status updates, MySpace bulletins and Twitter tweets, it’s something I rarely do anymore. Stop dead in my tracks to take note of a show flyer…The words etched on the blue flyer were straight and to the point — Band Together Tacoma, Saturday, July 25 at The New Frontier Lounge, presented by Tacoma Social Justice. …Currently, [Tacoma Social Justice is] mounting opposition to Referendum 71, which — if it garners enough signatures and is placed on the ballot — aims to eliminate Washington’s Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009. That possibility, for our state’s gay community and beyond, is the very definition of social INJUSTICE. It’s situations like these that Tacoma Social Justice was built for.

Tacoma Social Justice is an organization dedicated to promoting justice and equality in our community.

When I went to our local Wal-Mart recently, a man was out front getting petition signatures for Referendum 71. It would repeal Senate Bill 5688, which the Legislature passed to give registered domestic partners some of the same rights as other couples, namely the right to share health, auto, and home insurance; the right to visit and make health care decisions for each other; etc. What really upset me was that the signature gatherer said it was against gay marriage, which was untrue. The people signing the petition were being misled. — Kareen Shanks, Puyallup

The NWPC is a multi-partisan grassroots membership organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed office at all levels of government. Our mission is to identify, mentor, educate and support women leaders in our community who demonstrate a commitment to Reproductive Freedom and Women’s Economic and Social Equality.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest multi-issue feminist organization in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and Seattle NOW is one of the local 550 chapters that exist nationwide.

Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

Located in Seattle’s “Jewishly Happening” North End, we are a Reform synagogue committed to helping Jews and their loved ones build a joyful, spiritual, caring and egalitarian community. We are a vibrant center of learning and we enable each member to reflect the holy. We stand together in times of need and work together to bring about tikkun olam, healing of the world.

Chehalis resident Michelle Watson sat along Louisiana Avenue near the Twin City Town Center Monday among friends, family and signs, all of which were beckoning passing motorists to embrace civility in the ongoing debate over the so-called “everything but marriage” act.  The demonstration, attended by about a dozen local women and their children, was a reaction to a run-in with a paid petition gatherer for Referendum 71, Watson said.

Paid petitioners ($1 per signature) are gathering signatures this week at a Wal-Mart in Bellingham, to get the anti-domestic partnership Referendum 71 on the ballot. The petitioners are using slander as a means of getting voters to sign.   –  Bob Teichman, Tulalip

What’s more, an issue around which Christian conservatives might be expected to find consensus — repealing a measure that gave same-sex domestic partners the same state benefits as married couples — instead has provoked infighting.

Visit our website: http://wafst.org

“. . . to enhance the lives for senior citizens. . . through education and legislation.”

Broad, statewide support to keep domestic partnership law from being repealed by Referendum 71

SEATTLE, Wash. – Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) announced today that in just eight weeks, tens of thousands of individuals and more than 110 organizations have joined together to protect Washington families from the threat posed by the attempted repeal of the state’s domestic partnership law.

Washington Families Standing Together Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 22, 2009

Contact:        Josh Friedes, Washington Families Standing Together,
206-324-2570

Broad, statewide support to keep domestic partnership law from being repealed by Referendum 71

SEATTLE, Wash. –   Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) announced today that in just eight weeks, tens of thousands of individuals and more than 110 organizations have joined together to protect Washington families from the threat posed by the attempted repeal of  the state’s domestic partnership law.  Those opposed to domestic partnerships are trying to roll back the law by gathering signatures to put Referendum 71 on the November ballot. They have until July 25th to turn in the signatures. If Referendum 71 qualifies for the ballot, voters will have to vote to “approve” Referendum 71 in order to retain the law already passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.

“People from all parts of our state want to support their friends and neighbors. They are very worried that families in their communities will lose important legal and financial protections if the law is repealed,” said Josh Friedes of WAFST. “We have had over 40,000 Washingtonians, from every county in the state, pledge their support of the domestic partnership law and we have not sent a single piece of mail or done any advertising.

“And in only eight weeks, we’ve had over 110 organizations – faith-based groups, labor unions, seniors, communities of color, children’s organizations, statewide and local groups – join together to form the WAFST coalition dedicated to preventing the domestic partnership law from being repealed.” Friedes added. “It’s quite powerful to see that groups who represent such a broad cross section of the state are all united in the common goal of saving the domestic partnership law.”

The Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill of 2009 ensures that all Washington families are treated equally by providing the same rights and responsibilities to domestic partners (including heterosexual domestic partnerships where at least one partner is age 62 or older) as are provided to spouses under state law.

In 2007, the Legislature established the domestic partnership registry and granted registered couples rights to make health care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, to consent to an autopsy and manage some property rights issues.  In 2008, the Legislature extended these rights to include community property rights, probate rights, joint responsibility for debts and other protections. The 2009 legislation is the third and final law to provide rights and protections for domestic partners and their families. This law allows for death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty, pension benefits for partners of teachers and other public employees, the right to adopt a partner’s child without paying for an expensive home study, the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner and an easier process for drawing up a health care proxy or durable power of attorney.

Kelly Fox, President of the Washington State Council of Firefighters said the firefighters group strongly supports the state’s domestic partnership law. “The domestic partnership law will provide death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty,” said Fox. “They are first responders in times of crisis. It’s important for our members to be assured that when they risk their lives, they know their families will be protected in the unfortunate event the unthinkable happens.” said Fox.

The Children’s Alliance, a statewide organization that advocates for kids and families, agrees.  “We support Washington’s domestic partnership law because we support the well-being of children and families. All children need the same things. They need to feel safe and secure. And they need to feel loved. For the good of children in Washington state, we want to make sure this law stays in place,” said Paola Maranan, Executive Director.

The American Federation of Teachers Washington, a labor union representing teachers and other educational professionals, is just one of several unions strongly supporting the law. “The domestic partnership law provides stability to teachers’ families and the families of many students,” said AFTW president, Sandra Schroeder. “Especially in these difficult economic times, it’s important that teachers’ families have pensions and health insurance. The partners of gay and lesbian teachers get sick just like any other spouse and deserve the same right to be cared for by their partners.”

Older people and seniors represent a number of the state’s registered domestic couples, and according to Executive Director of Senior Services, Denise Klein, it’s a population of people that often gets overlooked.

“Many people are unaware that couples where one partner is age 62 or older, may be domestic partners,” said Klein. “This law provides essential protections to many older couples who would otherwise be living without a safety net. People also forget that there are many gay and lesbian couples who have been together for decades. They need the domestic partnership law to help with the many issues couples face in aging because they do not have the protections that marriage would afford them.”

Kathy Reim, a retired public school teacher, is a member of the Bellingham chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). As a mother of a daughter who is lesbian, she said she cannot imagine a parent ever feeling secure knowing that his or her child is not provided the same protections and opportunities as others. “No parent wants to leave this world knowing that their children have fewer rights than they had. Taking away rights wouldn’t just hurt gay and lesbian people; it would hurt all of us.”

Numerous organizations representing communities of color also are showing support for Washington families. “The Seattle Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen League is proud to support all Washington state families,” said the League’s president, Dawn Rego. “Our community suffered greatly when Japanese Americans were denied civil rights during WWII, so we must work to ensure that there is justice and equality for all.”

Rev. Paul Benz, Director of the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State, eloquently explains why more than 75 clergy and congregations from across the state have already pledged their support for the domestic partnership rights law. “As people of faith, we view the role of religion to nurture and support families, not to cast some aside. To deny gay and lesbian families and older couples their basic rights because of the beliefs of a few conservative religious organizations threatens not only those families but our collective commitment to each other.

“Everyone recognizes that it is far easier to qualify a referendum for the ballot than an initiative, because only half the number of signatures must be gathered. Given the important rights and protections that are at stake for Washington families, all these organizations believed it was necessary, even before the signatures were submitted, to start educating the public about the important protections provided by the domestic partnership law, and the families who would be harmed without those basic protections if the law were to be repealed,” said WAFST’s spokesman Friedes.

Organizations in the WAFST Coalition Supporting the Domestic Partnership Law
(as of 9-13-09)

1  League of Women Voters of Seattle 

2  Washington Association of Churches

3  Washington State Nurses Association

4  Childhaven 

5  Children’s Alliance

6  Washington  State Council of Fire Fighters 

7  Washington State Bar Association

8  Senior Services

9  Puget Sound Alliance  for Retired Americans 

10  Washington  State Senior Citizens’ Lobby

11  Associated Ministries of Pierce County

12  Washington State Democrats

13  Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

14  Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center

15  Entre Hermanos

16  Jewish Family Service  

17  Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation

18  King County Bar Association

19  Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Seattle

20  Democratic Advancement Political Action Committee

21  Minority Executive Directors Coalition

22  Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services Seattle/King County

23  Metropolitan Democratic Club

24  Washington State Psychological Association

25  Anti-Defamation League

27  NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

28  Washington  Education Association  

29  Japanese American Citizens League

30  Lutheran Public Policy Network of Washington  State

31  One America

32  Congregation Kol Ami  

33  Economic Opportunity  Institute  

34  Women’s Funding Alliance

35  Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington 

36  Unite Here Local  

37  Central Washington  Progress  

38  YWCA Clark  County  

39  YWCA Kitsap County  

40  SEIU Healthcare Local NW

41  Latino Political Action Committee

42  American Jewish Committee  

43  National Association of Social Workers—Washington State Chapter

44  National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum 

45  Lake  Washington  Educational Association

46  Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of King County

47  Raising Our Asian Pacific American Representation 

48  disAbility Resources of Southwest Washington

49  American Federation of Teachers

50  Compassion and Choices  

51  Vancouver  United Church of Christ

52  King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

53  Community to Community Development

54  New Americans Action Fund

55  Religious Coalition for Equality

56  Safe Schools Coalition  

57  Teamsters Local 11746

58  Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle 

59  UFCW Local

60  Vancouver  Firefighters Union  IAFF Local

61  Sahngnoksoo 

62  Equal Rights Washington

63  American Civil Liberties Union

64  First United Methodist Church of Tacoma 

65  Snohomish County Democrats  

66  Acorn 

67  Inland Northwest Business Alliance

68  Micah Project – Tacoma

69  Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce

70  Pride Foundation

71  Seattle Men’s Chorus  

72  Seattle Women’s Chorus  

73  Seattle University Outlaws  

74  Cedar River Clinics  

75  Inland Northwest LGBT Center

76  People for Peace, Justice, and Healing 

77  Pride at Work  

78  Lesbian and Gay Child Care Task Force

79  Blue Mountain Heart to Heart

80  Inlaws & Outlaws  

81  Queer Kidz

82  Tacoma Rainbow Center  

83  Queer Foundation

84  Queer Sounds

85  CREDO Mobile

86  Morningside Academy

87  Out In Tacoma  

88  QLaw 

89  Tacoma Lesbian Concern  

90  Inland Oasis

91  Puget Sound Chapter, OLOC

92  Ingersoll Gender Center  

93  Legal Voice

94  Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane

95  PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside

96  PFLAG Bellingham

97  PFLAG Everett/Snohomish

98  PFLAG Friday Harbor  

99  PFLAG Kitsap

100  PFLAG Lower Columbia  

101  PFLAG Tacoma

102  PFLAG Olympia

103  PFLAG Seattle

104  PFLAG Skagit/Sedro-Woolley

105  PFLAG Southwest Washington  

106  PFLAG Spokane

107  PFLAG Walla Walla  

108  Seattle Out and Proud/Seattle Pride

109  Whatcom Human Rights Task Force

110  Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Social Justice Committee 

111  Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee

112  Human Rights Campaign  

113  Lambda Legal

114  El Centro de la Raza

115  Washington State Stonewall Democrats

116  Lifelong AIDS Alliance  

117  Art With Heart  

118  Kitsap County HIV AIDS Foundation

119  Organization for Research and Learning

120  Pinay Sa Seattle  

121  Seattle Gay News  

122  Greater Seattle Business Association

123  National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 

124  Three Dollar Bill Cinema

125  Pierce County AIDS Foundation

126  Green River Community College GSA

127  Washington Gender Alliance  

128  American Friends Service Committee

129  Fuse 

130  Join the Impact  

131  Spokane GLBT Film Festival

132  Tacoma United for Fairness

133  Vista Youth Center  

134  Temple Beth Am  

135  Tacoma Social Justice  

136  Washington Bus

137  Seattle Chapter of the National Organization for Women  

138  National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington 

139  Seattle First Baptist Church

140  Open Arms Community Church

141  Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance

142  Temple B’nai Torah  

143  All Souls Universalists Community

144  League of Education Voters

145  Temple De Hirsch Sinai

146  Young Democrats of Washington

147  Temple Beth Or  

148  Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs 

149  32nd Legislative District Democrats

150  34th District Democrats

151  36th District Democrats

152  5th District Democrats

153  National Center for Lesbian Rights

154  AFT Seattle Community Colleges, Local 1789 

155  American Association of University Women — Washington State

156  Eastern Washington Voters

157  American Federation of Government Employees

158  Equality Federation

159  Log Cabin Republicans

160  Mainstream Republicans of Washington

161  Richmond Beach United Church of Christ

162  Pride Team — Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane

163  Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center

164  University Unitarian Church

165  Statewide Poverty Action Network

 # # #

–
Joshua A. Friedes
Campaign Manager
Washington Families Standing Together

W 206-324-2570
F 206-324-1708
www.WAFST.org

Mission: To Create Unity, Honor Diversity, and Achieve Equal Human Rights throughout our Region and the World. Purpose: To Coordinate and Promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender PrideEvents in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, which Celebrate the Present, Envision the future, and Honor the Past.

Seattle Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the country, has no paid staff, and an all volunteer Board of Directors. Sponsorships are sought to offset expenses.

The YWCA of Kitsap County is dedicated to ensuring the personal safety, rights, welfare, and dignity of those who experience domestic abuse while building partnerships and increasing community awareness to create positive social change.

For more than a quarter century, we’ve been a forceful advocate for older Americans, their children and their families.

Today, we’re an active affiliate of the national Alliance for Retired Americans, born in 2001, 3 million strong, and growing.

Since 1909, Childhaven has been a safe and caring place for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Today, we are a community leader, statewide advocate and national model in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Using innovative, proven approaches to child development in a therapeutic child care environment, we heal old hurts and nurture young lives. By strengthening family and child relationships and improving parenting skills, we break the cycle of abuse and neglect and create a foundation for lifelong loving relationships.

Seattle Women’s Chorus which made its premier on stage in 2002 and has quickly grown to over 200 singers. Flying House Productions (FHP), the parent company for the Chorus, is the State of Washington’s largest and most influential choral organization and ranks third among the state’s music organizations in terms of budget, audience exposure, and ensemble size.

Seattle Men’s Chorus was founded in 1979, and is the largest gay men’s chorus in the world with over 300 singing members.  Flying House Productions (FHP), the parent company for the Chorus, is the State of Washington’s largest and most influential choral organization and ranks third among the state’s music organizations in terms of budget, audience exposure, and ensemble size.

As an organization grounded in the Latino community, our mission is to build unity across all racial and economic sectors, to organize, empower, and defend our most vulnerable and marginalized populations and to bring justice, dignity, equality, and freedom to all the peoples of the world.

Mission Statement

As Christ in the City, this church stands as a beacon to those in need, those for whom the walls of hostility often mean marginalization,  economic despair, addiction and spiritual bankruptcy.  This community seeks to celebrate God’s love by tearing down those walls – one prayer, one meal and one embrace at a time.  To this end we share our money, talent and time.

The Economic Opportunity Institute is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy center advancing new ideas to build an economy that works – for everyone. We pursue change through research, media outreach, public dialogue and policy initiatives that help make Washington State a better place to live, work and do business.

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Kitsap Pride organizers said this year’s pride festival holds special significance. It marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of violent demonstrations against a bar raid by New York City police that is considered the beginning of the modern gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights movement. “Look at how far we’ve come in 40 years, and look how far we haven’t come,” Kitsap Pride co-chairwoman Marcie Mathis said. The 13th annual Kitsap Pride event will take place Saturday at Evergreen-Rotary Park in Bremerton, with music, food and games from 12 to 5 p.m.

SEAMEC interviews not only the high profile candidates for the US Senate and governor, but also candidates for local school boards and district courts.  All are seeking a measure of support from the LGBT community.

The WSCFF’s mission is to provide the best possible working conditions, the safest work environment, and the fairest wages and benefits to fulfill the needs of the men and women in this profession.  The council is active on local and national fronts with regard to issues that affect its members.

Pinay is a collective of Filipinas that celebrate our multifaceted identities, revolutionary history, and rich culture. We work to build a community in the Seattle area invested in educating, defending, and advocating for the human rights of Filipinas globally.

The mission of the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCCADV) is to work to end domestic violence by facilitating collective action for social change. In county-wide public policy and education efforts, the Coalition provides leadership on behalf of community based victim service agencies and their allies. The Coalition strives to represent the diverse interests of victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship is a welcoming and diverse community of individuals and families. Through fellowship, worship and service, we nurture the personal, spiritual and intellectual development of our growing congregation and promote respect and compassionate action for all people and our interdependent world.

The mission of Aging and Disability Services is to develop a community that promotes quality of life, independence and choice for older people and adults with disabilities in King County.

Working Assets was founded in 1985 to help you make a difference in the world by doing the things you do every day. Each time you use one of our services — CREDO Mobile, CREDO Long Distance or the Working Assets Credit Card — we automatically send a donation to nonprofit groups working for peace, equality, human rights and the environment. To date, we’ve raised over $60 million for progressive causes. But we’re not just donating money, we’re making change. Our CREDO Action Web site gives you the resources you need to stay up to date and speak out for the causes you support.

The Safe Schools Coalition is an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, that is working to help schools – at home and all over the world – become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are Southwest Washington’s home for Reform Judaism. We take our mission of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) very seriously, which means we strongly support the human rights of all families. Our mission states: The purpose of Congregation Kol Ami is to promote the principles of Judaism through Congregational worship, study, and assembly; to infuse the principles of Judaism into the daily lives of the Congregation’s members, especially the young; and to provide for the betterment of the Jewish community and the community at large. We support all Washington families.

Our guiding principles are that:

• The rights of Jews are best protected when the rights of all people are protected;
• Confrontations between people and groups often occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding;
• Positive relationships with political, religious and communal leaders, built on mutual respect and understanding, often can overcome conflict;
• Steps should be taken to diffuse confrontation through mediation before relations become strained;
• The most effective work is often done behind the scenes and through diplomatic means rather than in the public eye.

Mother Nature threatened, but she just couldn’t rain on this year’s Bellingham Pride parade on Sunday, July 12. This is the third year for the pride parade in Bellingham, though the festival has existed in some form for about nine years. With about 40 entrants – including the Rainbow City Band, PFLAG and Western Washington University students – the parade has nearly tripled in size from last year, with a goal of celebrating local gay, lesbian and transgendered people.

Bruce Hermansson sat next to his partner in Tacoma’s Wright Park on Saturday, enjoying the singers, dancers and a sense of freedom at Pierce County’s annual celebration of gay pride.   “Just seeing everybody out” is a highlight of Out in the Park, Hermansson of Lakewood said. “You can feel comfortable. If you want to hold your partner’s hand you can because nobody’s going to say anything.” Hundreds of people flocked to Wright Park in Tacoma for the 12th annual Out in the Park. …“It’s a play time, a recognition time for those of us who are working for our civil rights,” [Gloria] Stancich said.

My partner and I have been together for almost 20 years. As far as I know, no heterosexual couple has divorced or separated as a result. We pay our taxes, keep up our yard, help our elderly neighbor and participate in various nonprofits that benefit the community. Yet many Washingtonians would deny us some very basic rights. Gay and lesbian people pay the same taxes; their families should be entitled to the same legal protections, rights and responsibilities as any other taxpayer. — Catherine North,Federal Way

Washington State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is a membership organization with a dual mission of enhancing the profession of social work and promoting diversity, inclusion and social justice.

Senior Services is the most comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults and their loved ones in Washington State. Established in 1967, we promote positive aging for thousands of seniors and their families each year through our integrated system of quality programs and senior centers. More than 3,000 volunteers, together with 250 employees, make our work possible and efficient.

Mission of Jewish Family Service

We deliver essential human services to alleviate suffering, sustain healthy relationships and support people in times of need.

Values of Jewish Family Service

• Guided by our Jewish tradition of repairing the world, we are committed to:
• Treating people with dignity and compassion
• Providing culturally relevant services
• Helping people help themselves
• Reflecting the changing face of the community
• Collaborating with others to broaden our reach

Blue Mountain Heart to Heart is a private non-profit organization providing positive, non-judgmental support and assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS, their partners, families, and friends in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties of Washington State. Heart to Heart offers case management and support services, training for volunteers, free and anonymous HIV counseling and testing, alternative treatment resources, and community prevention including syringe exchange and Latino outreach for the rural area.

Blue Mountain Heart to Heart does not discriminate in the distribution of services or hiring on the basis of race, creed, color, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology or disability.

This pride season, 40 years after the Stonewall Revolution of 1969, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have a lot to celebrate. I’d like to dedicate this column to Sylvia Rivera and the other Stonewall activists who are no longer with us to celebrate and reflect on the 40th anniversary of the modern LGBT movement. From Iceland to Iowa, 2009 marks an important milestone in the fight for equal rights.

The Micah Project is the social justice ministry of the First United Methodist Church in Tacoma. We work to promote peace, economic justice and GLBT rights.

Women’s Funding Alliance is the leading foundation in Washington state that invests in and advocates for women and girls. By strategically supporting organizations that promote progressive change for women and girls, we have a dramatic impact on the overall health of our community.

When women and girls thrive, the entire community benefits.

People for Peace, Justice, and Healing meets every Saturday morning to share concerns and plan activities. We are involved in educational events, lectures, study groups, workshops, and calls for community action. Please consider joining us. All people of good will are welcome!

Lutheran Public Policy Network of Washington State is one of the twenty State Public Policy Offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As a partnership ministry of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, the three Washington synods of the ELCA, and the ELCA Division for Church in Society, we work to advocate on behalf of all God’s creation.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to preventing the spread of HIV, and to providing practical support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS.

With remarkable honesty, good humor, great music and real heart,the film Inlaws & Outlaws weaves together true stories of couples and singles, gay and straight to celebrate what we all have in common: we love.

The mission of Inland Oasis is to develop and maintain a community center in which to conduct and support educational, social and health programming for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and allied communities on the Palouse, Southeastern Washington and North Central Idaho.

At the Children’s Alliance, we’re advocates for kids. We ensure that laws, policies and programs work for kids, and we hold our leaders accountable until they secure the resources required to make all children safe and healthy.

Cedar River Clinics is a non-profit charitable organization that operates in the Renton area, and is dedicated to health, equality and justice for women.

Associated Ministries is a group of congregations drawn into fellowship by our recognition of the gift of Christian Unity offered to us through the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.  We live in a community of rich diversity. Building community that is humane, compassionate and just requires real dialogue. To this end we are committed to ecumenism and to engaging and partnering with other faith traditions.

WSPA Diversity Statement

The Washington State Psychological Association encourages the participation of all psychologists and affiliates regardless of age, creed, race, ethnic background, gender, socio-economic status, region of residence, physical or mental status, political beliefs, religious or spiritual affiliation, and sexual or affectional orientation. To this end, WSPA commits to multiculturalism.

YWCA Clark County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Central Washington Progress a forward-thinking collaboration between environmental, labor, educational, community and faith-based organizations who take collective action around the common values of increasing civic participation in underrepresented communities, enhancing the capacity of constituent-based organizations, and implementing long-term strategies for socially-responsible policies in Central Washington.

The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) includes more than 100 Asian Pacific American groups and advocate for equal access to critical services, education, economic development, civil liberties and human rights.

The mission of the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force is to promote and protect the rights of the human family. The WHRTF works to ensure an individual’s right to be treated with dignity and to live without fear of violence, intimidation, or discrimination based on group identification or personal characteristics. Such groups include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation (gender expression/identity), religion, age, class, disability, veteran/military status, political opinion or other arbitrarily assigned status.

The American Friends Service Committee is a practical expression of the faith of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice, it seeks in its work and witness to draw on the transforming power of love, human and divine. We recognize that the leadings of the Spirit and the principles of truth found through Friends’ experience and practice are not the exclusive possession of any group. Thus, the AFSC draws into its work people of many faiths and backgrounds who share the values that animate its life and who bring to it a rich variety of experiences and spiritual insights.

The Washington State Stonewall Democrats’ mission is to stimulate in GLBTQ and allied people an active interest in governmental affairs and promote their involvement in the political process, to promote the acquisition of political power by the GLBTQ and Allies community, and to foster and perpetuate the ideals and principals of the highest degrees of justice and social welfare.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 295,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,100 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada. The IAFF is one of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington; its Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, is among the top one percent of the more than 4,000 federal PACs in the country.

It is the mission of our church to follow Christ in faith and lead the community by example. We worship together with creativity and joy, being rooted in but not root-bound by Christian tradition. We commit ourselves to:

• Encourage spiritual growth and loving service to others;
• Reach out to people of all races, backgrounds and affectional orientations;
• Work for social justice and peace.

Gay and lesbian families deserve to have the same rights as heterosexual families. …LGBT families end up paying more Federal and State taxes because they are not recognized under the law. At the same time, the government wants to deny basic civil rights (such as the ability to see your partner in the hospital, get married, receive benefits in the case of a partner’s death, pension benefits and more). Talk about a double whammy! –  Sarah Toce, West Seattle

Please join me in declining to sign Referendum 71 petitions. It is wrong to take away rights from Washington’s gay and lesbian families.  I recognize and declare: “For those who love, loving pour forth radiance;” “We are the sons and daughters of God;” “In our lifetime, peace, peace on Earth, goodwill to mankind.”  In our lifetime equality, rights for all. Stop discrimination now, or risk it happening to you in the future.  — Maxine Erickson, Milton

The purpose of the New Americans Action Fund is to elect pro-immigrant rights leaders to public office.

As the only coalition of its kind in Washington state, MEDC of King County plays a critical role as advocate, catalyst, leader, convener and educator on issues concerning people of color. Advocacy is the backbone of all our efforts. We work with community-based health, human services, economic development agencies, legislators, government officials, school districts and others to influence and shape public policies affecting people of color.

The Latino Political Action Committee of Washington is a progressive organization of Latinos that was formed in 2005. Since its formation, the Latino PAC has screened and endorsed several state and city candidates. The Latino PAC is lead by an Executive Board of local Latino leaders and offers individuals and contributors an opportunity to work on advancing the political power and well being of all Latinos in Washington State.

The Kitsap County HIV AIDS Foundation promotes health and social services in a non-judgmental environment for those who are HIV positive and their significant others.  The foundation’s mission is to develop a knowledgeable and compassionate community, concerned with issues and prevention of HIV infection. The foundation works in cooperation with the Kitsap County Health District HIV AIDS Program.The Foundation’s success is due to our financial supporters, our volunteers who provide services and our volunteer board of directors.  In order to continue to provide for those living with HIV/AIDS and their families, we gratefully accept donations, grants & memorials.  We welcome your participation and thank you for your generosity.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle works to ensure a vibrant Jewish community that is connected locally, in Israel and worldwide.

Promoting acceptance through understanding.

(For those who haven’t yet pledged to Approve Referendum 71 online, they can sign this form to collect pledges to preserve our domestic partnership law.)

Download Approve Referendum 71 Pledge form PDF

Ask people who haven’t yet pledged online to preserve our domestic partnership law by working to inform the electorate about the  need to approve Referendum 71 to take the pledge by filling out this form.  

Return your forms to Washington Families Standing Together by scanning the forms and emailing them to info@approve71.org. You can also send via mail to: PO Box 12216, Seattle, WA 98102. Collect pledges at your church or synagogue social hour, farmers markets, and other events.

(We have had lots of people asking what they can do to help. This half-pager lists several quick actions people can take.)

Download PDF

Please distribute at social events like barbeques, fairs, farmers markets, parties or any gathering of family or friends. As you distribute these, please say “Protect all Washington families by voting to approve Referendum 71 to retain the recently passed Domestic Partnership law.”

(What a voter would see on the ballot if Referendum 71 qualifies)

Download Referendum 71 Ballot Title and Summary

Download the Spanish Language translation of the Referendum 71 Ballot Title and Summary

Read this to find out what the ballot title and summary of Referendum 71 will be. Please remember that if Referendum 71 qualifies for the November ballot we will need to ask voters to vote APPROVE to retain the recently passed Domestic Partnership law.

(This handout gives a short description of the Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill of 2009, the law Washington Families Standing Together is working to make sure is not repealed by Referendum 71.)

Download Domestic Partnership Law FAQ PDF

Download the Chinese language translation of the FAQ PDF

Download the Japanese language translation of the FAQ PDF

Download the Korean language translations of the FAQ PDF

Download the Russian language translation of the FAQ PDF

Download the Spanish language translation of the DP Law PDF

Download the Tagalog language translation of the FAQ PDF

Download the Vietnamese language translation of the FAQ PDF

Senate Bill 5688 is a law ensuring that all Washington families are treated the same, with the same protections, the same rights and the same obligations as their neighbors. Check out this PDF file to learn the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about it. This handout gives a brief summary of what protections the law provides and what Referendum 71 is.

Print out this contribution form and and use it to send in a check made payable to Washington Families Standing Together, or fill out your credit card information donation and send it to us by mail. 

Send the completed form to:

Washington Families Standing Together
PO Box 12216
Seattle, WA 98102

Vision:
Building LGBT community…together. 

Our Mission:
To build a vibrant LGBTQ community through collaborative programs promoting education, advocacy and wellness.

Forty years after New York’s Stonewall Riots launched the gay-rights movement, older gays and younger ones share much the same agenda of equality. But their needs within the movement are also divergent.

The Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) is Spokane’s Gay Chamber of Commerce with members in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. We network closely with our sister chamber in Seattle, the Greater Seattle Business Association as well as other GLBT chambers at regional and national leadership conferences. The alliance is an affiliate chamber of National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

. . . residents need to understand that this is not a gay marriage bill nor is it a measure giving gays so-called “special rights.” What it does is give same-sex partners and some heterosexual senior couples equal access to laws available to married couples.

Re: “Other ways to grant partner rights” (letter, 6-22). The letter supporting Referendum 71 was profoundly disturbing because the tone indicated a reasonable, intelligent writer, probably someone generally of good will. The disturbing aspect was the ease with which the writer objectified some people, in effect dehumanizing them, making them lesser beings that somehow pose a threat to the “superior” majority and therefore are not worthy of the same rights and respect “normal” people take for granted. — John McCluskey, Tacoma

and send it in with a check or credit card donation by mail.

As its executive director and on behalf of YWCA Clark County, I ask Washington voters: Please support registered domestic partnerships and decline to sign Referendum 71 petitions. Our organization opposes Referendum 71 and supports the 2009 Domestic Partnership Expansion Law. We take this position because our mission is to eliminate oppression and build a community of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. This includes oppression based on sexual orientation. — Kathy Kniep, Vancouver

Thousands of parade-goers cheered nearly 200 groups marching down Fourth Avenue Sunday in Seattle’s Pride Parade 2009. Spectators and marchers alike talked about marriage equality in the face of a referendum to repeal a recent measure expanding the state’s domestic partnership law.

SEATTLE – Thousands of people turned out for Seattle’s gay pride parade on Sunday. It was a chance for the gay community to show they are strong and proud and they are willing to fight for equal rights.

All Americans deserve equal protection under the law. — David Palmer, Des Moines

. . . residents need to understand that this is not a gay marriage bill nor is it a measure giving gays so-called “special rights.” What it does is give same-sex partners and some heterosexual senior couples equal access to laws available to married couples.

In planning a commitment ceremony rather than a wedding, they are standing up for what they see as the right of all adults in loving relationships to marry, regardless of partners’ gender. They say they’ll boycott marriage until gay friends and loved ones can be joined in legal marriages, which they see as a civil right.

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I’m glad that The News Tribune agrees with the approach that Washington Families Standing Together is taking in its efforts to encourage voters to Decline to Sign Referendum 71: education and understanding.

My partner, Laura, and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this year. We’re involved in our community. She serves as PTA president at our son’s school, and I’ve served on a number of community nonprofit boards

On May 18, Governor Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5688, a law ensuring that all Washington families are treated the same, with the same protections, the same rights and the same obligations as their neighbors. Under this law, registered domestic partners (same-sex couples and opposite sex couples with at least one partner over age 62), and married couples, are treated equally under the law in all parts of the state.

Key rights and obligations in the law include death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty; pension benefits for the partners of teachers and other public employees; victims’ rights, including the right to receive notifications and benefits allowances, and the right to adopt a partner’s child without paying for a home study.

These rights and obligations for domestic partners were passed following those adopted in 2007, when the Legislature established a domestic partnership registry and granted registered couples rights to make health care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, the right to consent to an autopsy, and some property rights, and those adopted in 2008, including community property rights, probate rights, joint responsibility for debts, and other protections. 

A group has filed a referendum – Referendum 71 – to try to repeal the law.  They had until July 25 to collect 120,577 valid signatures to get in on the ballot.  The Secretary of State is now reviewing the signatures they turned in to make sure they are valid voter signatures.

As was the case in 2006, strategic, early action may help avoid yet another costly campaign battle, especially important with all of the needs facing our citizens in these tough economic times.

So many people have asked how they can help, that we have formed a coordinated campaign to help keep the law from being repealed. It’s called Washington Families Standing Together – a coalition of community partners committed to working together to protect Washington’s families.

All Washington families should be treated the same, with the same protections, the same rights and the same obligations as their neighbors. With the economic crisis making life so much more difficult for so many families, we need to increase support, not take it away. — Laura Ellsworth, Vancouver

Our constitution was designed to protect ALL people and especially the minorities who are often discriminated against by the majority. I urge everyone to Decline To Sign Referendum 71 and protect Washingtonians and their families from having their legal rights taken away from them. — Randall Dickson, Seattle

Peel back the fear-mongering, sky-is-falling rhetoric and examine the truth of SB 5688. It simply ensures that all Washington families are guaranteed equal protection under the law. This legislation is not marriage. SB 5688 simply provides death benefits for the domestic partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty, pension benefits for partners of teachers and other public employees, victim’s rights, and the right to adopt a partner’s child without paying for a home study. Radical stuff? Far from it. — Rachel Smith-Mosel, Federal Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2009
Contact Josh Friedes, Washington Families Standing Together, cell 206-324-2570

Red, White and True: Families Working to Keep the Domestic Partnership Law from Being Repealed by Referendum 71 will Carry Old Glory in Seattle’s Pride Parade SEATTLE, Wash. – As thousands gather for this weekend’s Seattle Pride Parade to celebrate the diversity and progress of the LGBT community, members of Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) will participate in the parade to show their strong support for keeping our state’s domestic partnership law from being repealed by Referendum 71. Families who rely on the protections and safeguards provided by the law will display the very symbol of freedom and equality through the streets of Seattle as they carry an enormous American flag on behalf of the more than 5,000 couples throughout Washington who have registered as domestic partners since 2007. There are registered couples in each of the state’s 39 counties.

The domestic partnership law, known as Senate Bill 5688, adopted by the Legislature this past session, ensures that all Washington families are treated equally by providing the same rights and responsibilities to domestic partners (including heterosexual domestic partnerships where at least one partner is age 62 or older), as are provided to spouses under state law. (Even with this law, domestic partners are still unable to access the more than 1,100 protections in federal law for married couples.) Opponents of domestic partnerships are trying to repeal the law by collecting signatures to put Referendum 71 on the November ballot. “Regardless of sexual orientation, regardless of whether you’re a spouse or a domestic partner, a young family just starting out or two senior citizens who have been together for decades, all Washington residents want their families to be protected and cared for in the event something happens to them,” said Josh Friedes, Campaign Manager for WAFST. “Together the Domestic Partnership laws ensure that families can manage issues like health care decisions, property rights and responsibility of debts. This law in particular ensures that domestic partners have protections such as death benefits, pensions and easier adoption of a partner’s child.” As the world acknowledges the 40th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall Riots – which historically represents the start of the Gay Rights Movement – advocates and friends of LGBT individuals are celebrating the victories of the last 40 years while working to ensure that basic rights are not taken away. In 2007, the Legislature established the domestic partnership registry and granted registered couples rights to make health care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, to consent to an autopsy and manage some property rights issues. In 2008, the Legislature extended these rights to include community property rights, probate rights, joint responsibility for debts and other protections. SB 5688 is the third and final law to provide rights and protections for domestic partners and their families. Washington Families Standing Together parade participants and families will gather at 4th & Seneca at 10:30 a.m. and will be available to speak with members of the media. In addition, WAFST will have a booth at the Pride Festival at Seattle Center following the parade. To schedule an interview with WAFST families in advance of the parade or on site, please contact Josh Friedes at 206-679-8546. In response to the filing of Referendum 71, individuals and organizations from across the state joined together to form Washington Families Standing Together, a statewide coalition working to make sure Washington state’s domestic partners and their families remain protected by the state’s domestic partnership law. WAFST is leading the campaign asking people not to sign Referendum 71 petitions, explaining that Referendum 71 would repeal the law, and sharing how families’ lives are impacted by tragedy when those legal protections have not been in place. Dozens of organizations and tens of thousands of individuals have pledged to ‘decline to sign’ Referendum 71 and to work against any attempt to repeal the law. Information about WAFST can be found at www.wafst.org # # #

wafst.org

Red, White and True: Families Working to Keep the Domestic Partnership Law from Being Repealed by Referendum 71 will Carry Old Glory in Seattle’s Pride Parade SEATTLE, Wash. – As thousands gather for this weekend’s Seattle Pride Parade to celebrate the diversity and progress of the LGBT community, members of Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) will participate in the parade to show their strong support for keeping our state’s domestic partnership law from being repealed by Referendum 71.

Reporting from Seattle — A campaign to roll back gay rights that kicked off in Washington state over the weekend has split the Christian conservative community, with some wondering whether it is the right time for a fight and others arguing that time may be running out.

Washington voters have every good reason to ignore signature gatherers who seek to block an expansion of rights for registered domestic partners. The details are in the legislation, which will not get read in haste at the supermarket. Seeking to create or undo complex legislation via clipboards and folding tables in public places is a perilous civic enterprise. Especially so for Referendum 71, which needs 120,577 signatures by July 25 to put a domestic-partnership bill before voters in November. The Legislature passed and Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation giving same-sex couples the rights and responsibilities of married couples in Washington. The petition process stops the bill from becoming law until the fate of the referendum effort is known. The effort should fail.

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In the debate over gay marriage, there are two kinds of opponents: those who support equal rights as long as there isn’t a ceremony called marriage, and those who oppose granting equal rights because that’s seen as a slippery slope to gay marriage. The former are in the firm majority; the latter belong to a distinct minority, but in Washington state they will attempt to reverse an equal-rights law anyway. According to an April Quinnipiac University poll, American voters oppose (55 percent to 38 percent) a law in their state allowing same-sex couples to marry, but support (57 percent to 38 percent) allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions. The poll notes majority support for same-sex couples being able to adopt, garner employee benefits and other rights. It also shows support for allowing openly gay people to serve in the military.

Petition Alert: Voters racing to and from the grocery store should steer clear of the newest petition drive, an ill-advised effort to overturn the state’s recently passed “everything but marriage” law. A coalition of conservative groups filed Referendum 71, seeking a November vote to undo legislation that extends state-given benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian couples — almost everything but the name. This is an unnecessary campaign at a lousy time. Don’t sign. Don’t put our state through another rendition of the culture wars.

The Spokane GLBT Film Festival has been an annual event since Committee reviews films for 6-9 months prior to the film festival. Last year we review more than 40 films, ranging in length from 3 minutes to more than 2 hours. They are all evaluated based on quality of production, cost of rental (prices range from free to $1000 per film), timeliness, interest in the topic and uniqueness.  They then pare the wish list down to create a lineup of films that is within their budget and will fill the approximately 6 hours of showtime available in an entertaining way.

WEA is the state’s largest public employee union, along with being the dominant professional union for Washington’s public school employees. WEA leaders and staff work passionately to attract and retain great teachers and support employees, to strengthen the profession, to shape education policy and to provide a unified voice in support of stronger schools. The mission of the Washington Education Association is to advance the professional interests of its members in order to make public education the best it can be for students, staff and communities.

Put yourself on a bus full of young people and experience first-hand the revival of hope and energy in Washington politics. It’s not just any bus, of course. It’s the Washington Bus. And on any given Saturday it rolls into a town somewhere in our state, full of volunteers eager to work for positive change. The Bus provides a platform for young people to make their voices heard on issues that speak directly to our shared values: health, education, fairness, peace and prosperity.

Because LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say they do not feel safe at school, and 90% of LGBT students have been harassed or assaulted during the past year*, we believe the need for the center is paramount to the Tri-Cities youths safety and health. We work with LGBTIQQA individuals 14-21 years old and offer unique combinations of direct service, social service, referrals. Our programs are youth-driven and based on the model of peer support and leadership. See their Website

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle strives to empower, enable and assist African Americans, other people of color, and disadvantaged individuals in becoming self-sufficient through public advocacy, providing services and developing strong business and community partnerships.

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 21 is the largest private-sector local union in the state of Washington, with over 31,000 members working in grocery stores, and retail, health care, and other service sector jobs. Local 21 represents more retail and grocery employees and more professional and technical health care employees than any other union in the state. Local 21 was formed in October 2005, when a merger between UFCW Local 1001 and Local 1105 went into effect. Members of both unions voted by more than 97% to unite to form a larger, stronger union. Local 21 is the largest union in Washington State.

UNITE HERE represents approximately 450,000 workers in the hospitality, gaming, food service, laundry, textiles and manufacturing distribution industries in the United States and Canada.

Tacoma United For Fairness (TUFF) was formed in 2001 in Tacoma, Washington to defeat an initiative placed on the ballot that would have repealed anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. TUFF was successful in this endeavor, winning the initiative campaign by a 59% margin, the largest margin of victory for any such initiative campaign in the United States. TUFF remains active today and is committed to protecting and securing basic human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Teamsters Local 117 represents approximately 16,500 men and women at more than 200 employers throughout the Seattle Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest. Members of Local 117 cover almost every profession imaginable. From warehouse workers to truck drivers, from law enforcement officers to waste water treatment professionals, from office clerical to public sector professional. If you can think of a job, there is probably a Local 117 member performing it somewhere in our region.

The Rainbow Center is a safe, accessible and welcoming community space for meetings, activities and events that strengthen the lives of people in our community. We support Greater Pierce County by providing a centralized source of information and referral for and about the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. We provide visibility to the history, culture and diversity of our communities.

Here are a few ways to keep our domestic partnership rights should Referendum 71 be placed on the ballot this fall.

1.    Vote  approve Referendum 71 to preserve our Domestic Partnership Law in Washington State!  Please ask your friends to pledge as well! Make sure your family and co-workers know to do the same.

 

2.    Print out and take  Pledge Forms with you to social events.  Ask people who haven’t yet pledged online to sign the pledge by filling out this form and return your forms to Washington Families Standing Together via mail to: PO Box 12216, Seattle, WA 98102. Collect pledges at your church or synagogue social hour, farmers markets, and other events.

 

3.   

Print out and post this Placard.  Place it in your window at home, in your car, of if you are allowed, in your workspace.  Print it on card stock, and staple it to a paint stirring stick to make a hand-held sign for rallies, parades and events.  Or print out the black and white inksaver version. 

Print out Approve 71 stickers  that are sized to fit on an 8 1/2″  standard sheet of  2″ x 4″ mailing labels (compare to Avery 5163).  Use them to identify yourself to fellow volunteers at field events. 

Here’s a link to a high-resolution version of our logo.  Our save this thumbnail to use on your Facebook or e-mail signature.

4.

 

5.    Write a Letter to your local newspaper.  Explain in personal terms what the domestic partnership law means to your family or people that you love.  Ask people to join you in approving referendum 71.  You’ll love our letter writing tool.
 

6.    Become our friend on Facebook.   For example say “I took the Pledge to Approve Referendum 71. Washingtonians please do the same by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/approve-ref-71

    Send a copy of this e-mail to your friends, family and associates telling why they should take the Pledge to Approve Ref 71.

In 2009 Tacoma Lesbian Concern will celebrate 30 years as the oldest, continuously operating lesbian organization serving the south Puget Sound. We’re proud of all we’ve done, all the womyn we’ve met and supported, all the community service and educating we’ve performed, and the large family of womyn we’ve created. Oh yeah, and the potlucks, parties, dances, camping trips, holiday get-togethers, dinners out, picnics, retreats, etc., and, the approximately 2400 Newsletters we’ve published since 1979. See more at their Website

The Democratic Party in Snohomish County is committed to activism as an act of personal responsibility, a responsibility each of us has to improve our communities at large rather than simply focusing on ourselves. You will find a variety of opinions within the Democratic Party. While our platform spells out our general principles, we do not adhere to a single view. We encourage lively debate and pluralism within our ranks. When there is disagreement we discuss, vote, and move forward. While some may not understand this uniquely Democratic trait, we believe diversity is the very foundation of freedom.

SEIU Healthcare 775NW now represents almost 34,000 home care and nursing home workers in Washington state and Montana.

The Seattle University School of Law OutLaws is a student organization dedicated to providing support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. OutLaws presents information to the legal community about issues facing LGBTQ people and works with the faculty and administration to eradicate barriers to the success of LGBTQ law students and their allies.

The 3rd oldest Gay & Lesbian Newspaper publication in the United States / USA Proudly serving Seattle and the Pacific Northwest for 35 years. Visit their Website

Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization of Koreans and Korean-Americans creating social change. We work to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities including those who are adopted, immigrants, queer, and multiracial. We do this through collective learning, collaboration, solidarity, and organizing. Sahngnoksoo translates to “evergreen” and is a symbol of strength and commitment in Korean movement history.

MISSION: To promote the civic engagement of Asian Pacific Americans in Washington State and enable like-minded organizations to utilize data that informs grassroots civic action.  Vision: Washington residents of Asian Pacific Islander heritage are active participants in civic affairs and participate in public policy decision making, including service as elected and appointed officials, with the goal of full representation for all Washington residents.

The Religious Coalition for Equality (RCE) is an interfaith association of lay persons and clergy committed to this twofold purpose; to educate Washington State citizens about, and to advocate for marriage equality for every couple and the civil rights of all.

Queer Kidz will try their best to provide the most current GLBTQ news and events. We provide help for all other GLTBQ tolerant organizations, especially High School, Middle School, and College GSA’s. We believe that we can all work together to make the world a more accepting place. No one should be harmed for who they are. We will try to prevent homophobic attacks by providing the community with information on HIV/AIDS and Suicide Prevention. Suicide rates for teenagers is at a high, and each life is precious to us. AIDS is an easily avoidable disease, we strongly encourage getting tested regularly and practicing safe sex.

QLaw: The GLBT Bar Association of Washington is an association of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) legal professionals and their friends. QLaw serves as a voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender lawyers in the state of Washington on issues relating to diversity and equality in the legal profession, in the courts, and under the law. Visit their Website

Puget Sound OLOC is a regional chapter of the national organization, OLOC, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. OLOC focuses on raising consciousness about ageism among old lesbians, the GLBT community and society at large. Visit their Website

Grants, Scholarships and Leadership for the Northwest LGBTQ Community.

Pride At Work is an official constituency group of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations) whose purpose is to mobilize mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBT Community around organizing for social and economic justice.Pride At Works seeks full equality for LGBT Workers in their workplaces and unions.

Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington (PPVW) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization educating Washingtonians and policy-makers about reproductive health issues. VOTES! lobbies and educates to advance Planned Parenthood’s mission and also engages in limited electoral activities.

(This is an editorial you can print to hand out. Please check out the ‘news’ section of the website for other editorials, op eds and letters to the editor from around the state.)

Link to Seattle Times Editorial

Use this easily printable version of the June 16, 2009, Seattle Times editorial explaining why voters should not sign Referendum 71 petitions intended to repeal rights for registered domestic partners. Permission to reprint or copy this article, other than for personal use, can be quickly obtained from the Seattle Times by calling 206-464-3113 or e-mailing resale@seattletimes.com with your request.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation, through education and service, prevents HIV infection, assists persons affected by HIV/AIDS, addresses related health problems, and combats associated stigma and discrimination.

The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane is committed to honoring the unique and dignified experience of every human being. To this end, PJALS invites input from a wide variety of community groups and individuals, seeking to integrate our experiences, honor our diversity and thereby strengthen the emerging diversity of our community. We want participation and representation from families, low wage workers, faith communities, unions, and identity-based civic and advocacy organizations. We acknowledge the differences of community members with regard to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, physical ability, socioeconomic and cultural back ground, educational levels, marital status, and family circumstance.

The Rainbow Center’s mission is to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by providing education, resources, information and opportunities for empowerment to individuals and organization with the south Puget Sound area. We believe that having a unified voice strengthens the community as a whole by contributing to the richness of diversity found in the South Sound area.

Founded in 1973, OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 15 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. It is the first and only national Chinese American civil rights organization headquartered in D.C . OCA does not advocate support or encourage the policies or practices of any other country.

ORL originally began as a small organization in Seattle with two staff members who served four children during our first year. Since then, they have grown to include ten clinical staff members who serve approximately 65 children and families within our private practice and provide outreach services. ORL continues to maintain high levels of quality in the services they provide. They continue to contribute to the autism and behavior analysis communities both in the Puget Sound area and across the United States and other countries.

OneAmerica is committed to the vision of a unified nation with justice for all. Their mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, and human rights at the local, state and national levels. They work with community partners and with partners across the nation to protect and strengthen fundamental American rights for all people, especially immigrants.

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington state, and we believe that every woman should be able to make personal decisions about the full range of reproductive health options. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from the ground up. They do this by training activists, organizing broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and by building the organizational capacity of the movement.

NAPAWF is the only national, multi-issue APA women’s organization in the country. NAPAWF’s mission is to build a movement to advance social justice and human rights for APA women and girls. Visit their Website

Visit their Website

Legal Voice, founded in 1978 as the Northwest Women’s Law Center, has been the vanguard organization bringing groundbreaking litigation and fighting for landmark legislation to ensure justice for women in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. As an action-oriented, diverse organization, Legal Voice is committed to securing and protecting the rights of all women. They are a vital force in the community, making substantive, lasting changes through legislation and litigation designed to have a far-reaching public impact, and by empowering women with knowledge about their legal rights.

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Join the Impact (JTI) is a grassroots and netroots organization geared at gaining full equality for the LGBTQI community through outreach, education, and demonstration.It began on November 7th, 2008 with two friends emailing back and forth about the California passage of Proposition 8.  What grew out of this was a spirit of netroots activism that led to the 300 city international protests of Proposition 8 on November 15th, 2008.  Since then, JTI has evolved into an organization that has called for specific actions every month from city leaders and organizers around the globe.

Founded in 1929, the JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States .  The JACL monitors and responds to issues that enhance or threaten the civil and human rights of all Americans and implements strategies to effect positive social change, particularly to the Asian Pacific American community.  See their Website

Ingersoll Gender Center supports transgendered people towards growth and well being. We provide support, education, advocacy and information resources for people interested in gender identity issues, and for service providers, employers, families and friends in order to promote understanding, awareness and acceptance of gender diversity.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Allied business and professional chamber of commerce, proudly serving our community since 1981. GSBA is the largest business chamber of its kind in the United States, and the second largest business chamber in Washington State. More than a chamber, GSBA is a vibrant community organization with a broad and diverse membership base.

Fuse is a state-based online advocacy group working to provide a cutting edge online organizing and communications hub for Washington State. Fuse is focused primarily on securing major advances in progressive public policy for Washington State.Fuse is bringing people together to make our state more progressive. Fuse offers busy but concerned people fast, easy and fun ways to make their voice and values heard and make a difference.

The mission of Entre Hermanos promote the health and well being of the Latino Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community in a culturally, socially, and emotionally appropriate environment, creating a model conducive to the needs of the community.

C&C is recognized nationally for its advocacy of choice for the terminally ill and its commitment to improved treatment of pain and other symptoms. C&C’s unique service includes the ongoing relationships we develop between our case managers and those who want to explore end-of-life choices. Each year we provide information and consultation to hundreds of patients and families. Two of our primary concerns: no one dies in pain and no one dies alone.

The mission of the Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center is to organize communities, educate, train, and provide technical assistance and comprehensive culturally relevant services on domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to Asian and Pacific Islander community members, service providers, survivors, and their families.”

Art with Heart is a charitable 501c3 nonprofit organization that has helped over 41,000 children through the healing power of creativity. Our books and programs support the mental health of fragile populations at times of crisis, such as after a diagnosis of cancer, a natural disaster, or the tragedy of a school shooting. The need for Art with Heart’s therapy-based books and programs is driven by the approximately 17 million children in the U.S. alone that are experiencing special health care needs or mental health disorders.

Parent’s, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) persons, their families and friends through:

• Support, to cope with an adverse society;
• Education, to enlighten an ill informed public; and
• Advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal rights. 

PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

A support and educational organization dedicated to helping people deal with the issues of gender identity and/or expression, be it their own, or those of someone in their lives.

The mission of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, is to improve the lives of our members and their families, to give voice to their legitimate professional, economic and social aspirations, to strengthen the institutions in which we work, to improve the quality of the services we provide, to bring together all members to assist and support one another and to promote democracy, human rights and freedom in our union, in our nation and throughout the world.

Equal Rights Washington (ERW) is a statewide political advocacy organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community of Washington State. ERW works to end discrimination against LGBT people throughout the state.

The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Now the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.

The ACLU is the nation’s premiere organization dedicated to defending and expanding all civil liberties and civil rights in America.

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