Why approving R-71 is important

We encourage you to learn more about the importance of voting to approve Referendum 71 this fall. Washington Families Standing Together has numerous ways for folks - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - to help educate voters about this important referendum.

If R-71 does not pass, the law that was passed to protect LGBT couples and heterosexual unmarried senior couples would be revoked and the following would be lost:

• Death benefits for partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty
• Right to use sick leave to care for a seriously ill partner
• Pension benefits for partners of teachers and other public employees
• Right to workers compensation benefits if a partner is killed in the course of employment
• Victims' rights

We shouldn't even be having to vote on this issue because it is putting civil rights up for a vote. State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, has stated that this would be "a tragic day for the state, where we will put the rights of a group of our citizens up for a vote."

So, come out on September 15 to Broadway Performance Hall to find ways you can volunteer to help ensure that R-71 is passed. You can RSVP at the Equality Events Hub web site.