WA Hears testimony on Civil Unions Bill!

Washington Civil Unions Bill Gets First Hearing From 365Gay.com

(Olympia, Washington) A woman who same-sex partner died as a result of last December's floods told Washington state lawmakers Thursday that she had difficulty getting into the hospital to see her dying lover.

The Washington State Senate Committee On Government Operations and Elections was hearing the first day of testimony on a bill that would create civil unions in the state.

Charlene Strong told how partner Kate Fleming got trapped in the basement studio where she ran an audio company. As the water rose she was unable to open the door to get out.

Rescuers finally broke through and rushed Fleming to an area hospital.

But at the hospital Strong was told told she could not be with her dying partner of nearly 10 years because she was not a relative. Finally officials relented when a family member interceded. Fleming died moments later.

Even as she tried to plan Fleming's funeral Strong faced roadblocks.

Strong told committee members that if they had been an opposite-sex married couple, or had civil union rights she would have had no trouble.

As soon as I track down some of the Wingnut vitriol I will post it! Stay tuned!