Dear Editor,

Here are a few things we should remember:

Domestic Partnerships are an important, immediate, step to protect Washington's families.

The domestic partnership registry system provides gay and lesbian couples all the rights and responsibilities of marriage under state law, but none of the federal protections of marriage like social security survivor's benefits, Veterans' benefits, equal treatment under the IRS tax code and immigration rights.

Gay and lesbian people pay the same taxes; their families should be entitled to the same legal protections, rights and responsibilities as any other taxpayer.

Marriage equality is an affirmation of the values of love commitment and mutual concern. If we wish to strengthen the institution of marriage then we should allow committed gay and lesbian couples to protect their relationship through marriage.

Legal marriage should encourage stability in gay and lesbian couples just as it is intended to promote stability in straight couples.

Think about it.

Mr Saul
Delridge