By Madhuri Dey
Nov. 4, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Referendum 71 of the Washington Sate elections are the gateway for gay couples to a more secure and assured life. This referendum does not go as far as the Question 1 of Maine that is proposing the legalization of same sex marriages, it still goes a long way in favor of the gays. Referendum 71 proposes that all the registered gay couples in the state of Washington would be able to get all the privileges enjoyed by the heterosexual couples. Their “rights, responsibilities and obligations” would be considered the same as the same as any other couple. However, they would not be able to enjoy the privileges accorded to those who are married. The referendum also refers to senior domestic couples.

The state of Washington welcomed the referendum with enthusiasm. If the bill is passed, Washington will become the first state to decide the rights of same sex partnerships through popular voting. So far, no other state has striven to uphold the rights of same sex partnerships through voting of the people. Although marginal, the people of Washington seem to have liked the idea of giving gay couples equal status.The referendum is being dubbed as “everything but marriage” as it practically serves every purpose for gay couples except granting them the status of being married.

The early results of the election was showing disappointing results, with the referendum being rejected. As the tide turned in the later part of the day, results showed that the eastern part of the country was more conservative and voted against it, whereas most of the votes in it’s support came from the King and Snohomish County.