Archbishop Alex Brunett, as Chair of the Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC), which represents the Catholic Bishops of Washington State, recently sent a letter to Governor Gregoire requesting that she veto SSB 5336, a measure extending certain legal rights and benefits to same-sex couples and older, heterosexual unmarried couples.

During the legislative session WSCC would have supported SSB 5336 if an amendment had been added expanding the benefits listed in the bill to include adult relatives, and removing references to unmarried heterosexual couples. The bill passed without the amendment, representing a dangerous major shift in social policy. The bill as passed undermines the state’s support for marriage as a union between one man and one woman by allowing older, unmarried heterosexual couples to become domestic partners.

WSCC has repeatedly affirmed and supported in testimony (January 2007; March 2007) that if the state creates a legal pathway to specific benefits for unmarried persons, such as making health-care and end-of-life decisions, it must include the adult relatives who often are the primary caregivers for members of their immediate families. These relatives are specifically excluded in the bill. These benefits are especially important for many of our families, including immigrant families living in multigenerational households.

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt from the Archbishop’s letter and to send a message to the Governor. Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to “Take Action” by sending your views to Governor Gregoire.