OLYMPIA—
Washington state voters have approved the state's new "everything but marriage" law, marking a significant expansion of rights for gay couples who are registered as domestic partners.National gay-rights groups say the passage of Referendum 71 marks the first time a state's voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box.
With about 69 percent of the expected vote counted Thursday in unofficial returns, R-71 was leading 52 percent to 48 percent.
The measure asked voters to approve or reject the latest expansion of the state's domestic partnership law, granting registered domestic partners additional state rights previously given only to married couples.
Full-fledged gay marriage is still not allowed under Washington law.
R-71 concerns the rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners. It asked voters to approve or reject the final expansion to the state's domestic partnership law, which grants registered domestic partners additional state-granted rights currently given only to married couples.
The expanded law will add benefits, such as the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner, and rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.
The domestic partnership law expanding the rights and responsibilities was signed by the Governor in May.
Opponents of the new law argued it is a threat to traditional marriage. Supporters of gay rights say same-sex couples need additional legal protections and rights.
The expanded law adds benefits, such as the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner, and rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.
The law was supposed to take effect July 26.
