WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature is deliberating House Bill 1130, Senate Bill 5398, and Senate Bill 5400 which would prohibit legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples, and;

WHEREAS, such an action is blatantly discriminatory, and;

WHEREAS, the referendum attached to Senate Bill 5400 would subject the taxpayers of Washington to a costly and divisive election campaign, and;

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle opposes such discrimination and actively works to defend its citizens from such discrimination, promote equality under the law for all people, and celebrates the diversity of its' citizenry, and;

WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature also is deliberating House Bill 1203 and Senate Bill 5346 which would prohibit gender discrimination in the granting of civil marriage licenses, and;

WHEREAS, the welfare of all residents of the City of Seattle is enhanced by the bonds of families and long-term committed relationships that encourage commitment to proper care for children and parents, and;

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle, by its authority, supports and provides domestic partnership registration for individuals who are in a relationship of mutual caring, support and commitment, and;

WHEREAS, under Washington State law, same sex partnerships between individuals who mutually support, care for and commit to each other are not legally recognized, and;

WHEREAS, marriages recognized in other jurisdictions should also be recognized by the State of Washington, Now Therefore;

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

The City of Seattle officially opposes House Bill 1130, Senate Bill 5398 and Senate Bill 5400 because they are discriminatory and, if passed, would seriously undermine the moral integrity of our citizens; and officially supports House Bill 1203 and Senate Bill 5346 because they recognize the bonds of long-term committed relationships and the families that result.

ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Seattle this ______ day of ______________, 1997, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of _______________, 1997.

______________________________________ President _________of the City Council

Filed by me this __________ day of _________________, 1997.

______________________________________ City Clerk

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

________________________ Norman B. Rice, Mayor

WEDRES.DOC TP/sjc (2/10/97)