In Your State: Washington
Statewide Relationship Recognition |
|
| no | Licenses marriages for same-sex couples. |
| yes | Recognizes marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions, but only as domestic partnerships. |
| yes | Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: domestic partnerships. |
Though a discriminatory 1998 law prohibits same-sex couples from marrying in Washington, same-sex couples, and different-sex couples where one partner is 62 years or older, may register as domestic partners with the state of Washington. Couples should become informed about the law and the consequences of registration, however, before deciding whether registering is right for them. See Lambda Legal's brochure about the domestic partnership law for more information and answers to common questions. The domestic partnership registration form can be found here.
Contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk if you have questions about registering as domestic partners with the state, including how to register, and whether it might be unwise for some couples to register as domestic partners.
Statewide Employment Protections |
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| yes | Private employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| yes | Private employment protections based on gender identity. |
| yes | Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| yes | Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity. |
In 2006, the State of Washington enacted a landmark law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. See Lambda Legal’s fact sheet about this law, which was created with assistance from Equal Rights Washington.
See RCW 49.60.010, RCW 49.60.030 (1), RCW 49.60.040 (15) and Executive Order 93-07 (9/27/93).
Statewide Parenting Laws |
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| Who May Adopt | Any person. RCW §26.33.140 |
| Second Parent Adoptions | Granted by many judges but not yet affirmed in appellate case law or confirmed in statute. |
