Washington Legislature approves a measure that recognizes out-of-state same-sex unions

The state of Washington’s Legislature has OK’d out-of-state same-sex unions. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire (pic) for approval. Under the measure, marriages performed elsewhere would be recognized as domestic partnerships in WA. Currently, five states, the District of Columbia and Canada allow same-sex marriages. Washington becomes the fourth state to approve a similar bill, 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. In the Senate, four Republicans voted for the measure.

[via AP]