Washington State legislature votes to recognize out of state same-sex couples legal status

The Washington state senate passed it's last hurdle in recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships.

From the Seattle Times: The Washington Legislature has approved a measure that recognizes out-of-state domestic partnerships.

On a 28-19 vote, the Senate cleared the last hurdle for the bill. It now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire's desk. Under the measure, gay marriages performed elsewhere would be recognized as domestic partnerships here, as well as domestic partnerships performed in other states.

At this time, five states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriages. Washington is the fourth state to approve a bill recognizing same-sex couples from other states, following Rhode Island, New York and Maryland.

The measure enjoyed wide support among Democrats. It passed the House 58-39, mostly on party-line votes.