Survey of couples eligible for the WA Domestic Parnership Registry

[eridani]

Survey of Couples Eligible to Register for the Domestic Parnership Registry!

On July 23rd couples can start to register as Domestic Partners. If you are a same-sex couple or an unmarried heterosexual couple where at least one partner is over the age of 62 we ask that you completete a survey using the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1x_2fClAZdgIw1Sx5QXtTmig_3d_3d

Please forward this e-mail to same-sex and mature unmarried heterosexual couples.

For the first time the state will provide limited legal regcognition for same-sex couples and different sex-couples where one partner is over the age of 62. While the rights afforded to domestic partners are a small fraction of those enjoyed by legally married couples, the registry will provide some basic protections including a few that can not be achieved through legal documents.

In an effort to help the public understand the new law and the importance of the continuing struggle for marriage equality ERW and allies have created a survey. We'll also share the results with legislators as they continue to add protections to the registry while we work to secure full marriage equality. This survey will also help us answer many requests we are getting from the media. We will not share your personal information with anyone unless you give us specific permission.

If you are in a relationship please take a few minutes to take this survey. If you are not in a relationship but know of a same-sex couple or different sex-couple where one partner is over the age of 62 please forward this email to them so that they have the opportunity to take the survey. To take the survey please click here or go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1x_2fClAZdgIw1Sx5QXtTmig_3d_3d .

Thanks for your participation and help to move equality forward in Washington State.

All the best!


Nathan Riding
Field Organizer
Equal Rights Washington
P.S. To learn about educational forums in your area about the domestic partnership registry click here. http://www.equalrightswashington.org/events/index.html

P.S.S. Before deciding whether to register please consider consulting an attorney about this important legal step particulary if you are a foreign national or person serving in the military.

[maxsolomon]

1. why does one partner have to be over 62?

i don't get what that has to do with shacking up.

[eridani]

2. It's about Social Security

If one or both of the partners are on Social Security, marriage could cut their benefits. If that is the case then regular marriage is not an option for them, and the legislature opted to cut them in on the domestic partnership benefits.