Provides that for all purposes under state law, state registered domestic partners shall be treated the same as married spouses. (See also Companion HB 1727).   Official Text and Analysis.

Removes the reference to domestic partners in the definition of "marriage" in the statute dealing with sex offenses. The requirement that agencies amend their rules is subject to the availability of funds and language is added stating that nonconforming rules are still valid. The delayed effective date applies to the section amending the Basic Health Plan.

To remove sections of the bill dealing with the State Health Care Authority and the Public Employees Benefit Board. The delayed effective date of those sections of the bill having fiscal impact is changed from 2012 to 2014.

To make technical corrections to make provision of the bill cohesive with federal rules and regulations.

To add a referendum clause, requiring a vote of the people for adoption or rejection at the next general election.

To add a "reverse severability" clause. The entire act is null and void and has no effect if any provision of the act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid.

To provide that the legislature has expressly prohibited same-sex marriage and the recognition of same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions, and that this act and any other provision in the code are not intended to, and shall not be construed to, modify or supersede the state law regarding what constitutes marriage.

To add a referendum clause to the bill.

To provide that curricula, materials, classes, programs, and activities sponsored, authorized, or distributed by a public school and that presents, describes, or discusses lawful marriage in Washington must present, describe, or discuss lawful marriage as between a man and a woman and may not describe domestic partnerships as lawful marriage.

To amends the marriage statutes to state that marriage does not include state registered domestic partnerships and a state registered domestic partnership does not constitute marriage.

To recognize the provisions on freedom of speech and freedom of religion granted by the U.S. and state Constitutions. Provides that the Legislature recognizes that there is a difference between a discriminating decision or act, or the lawful expression of one's belief, based on one's view of a person's sexual orientation versus a discriminating decision or act, or the lawful expression of one's belief, based on one's view of what constitutes marriage. Provides that a person, organization, or religious entity is immune from civil and criminal liability for: lawful speech expressing its beliefs about domestic partnerships and civil unions and its beliefs about marriage and lawfully acting consistently with its sincerely held religious beliefs by refusing to participate in, endorse, facilitate, or otherwise assist any marriage, marriage ceremony, reception or other activity, or any domestic partnership, domestic partnership ceremony, reception, or other activity.

Provides that for all purposes under state law, state registered domestic partners shall be treated the same as married spouses and that provisions of the act shall be liberally construed to achieve equal treatment, to the extent not in conflict with federal law.