As any hunter knows, trickery is an excellent tactic. This is why duck hunters frequently set up decoys that look like ducks, to confuse their prey and make real ducks confused and more vulnerable. Opponents of Referendum 71 have their own decoys, which initially sound like arguments. There is not much meat to them, though, and those that aren't plainly false ring hollow when struck. Below then, for your election enjoyment, is a quick review of talking points and other falsehoods by those who would have you deny domestic partnership protection to Washington seniors and same-sex couples this fall. Don't take any wooden nickels!
Decoy 1: Referendum 71 is really about "gay marriage."
Studies by opponents of Referendum 71 show that the phrase "gay marriage" has decreasingly negative connotations for many voters, while surveys by Washington research universities show majority support for domestic partnerships across most of the political spectrum. The official ballot title explicitly says that "a domestic partnership is not a marriage." Referendum 71 is about domestic partnerships, both for same-sex couples and heterosexual couples where one member is 62 or older, which is why the Washington Senior Lobby supports Referendum 71.
Decoy 2: Referendum 71 abolishes "husband" and "wife" as legal terms.
For purposes of domestic partnerships, gender neutrality is applied. This is to "protect" those terms within traditional heterosexual marriage and also to make the laws equitable to both members of a domestic partnership, whether they are of the same gender or seniors. Again, this helps protect seniors, many of whom may lose health coverage or retirement benefits.
Decoy 3: Referendum 71 will expose the state to frivolous lawsuits.
The lawsuit most frequently cited as likely to emerge is an objection to the federal "Defense of Marriage Act," but this issue was brought and settled years ago, in Andersen v. King County, as described in an official court press release from 2006. Those who wish may even listen to audio of the case at the court's web site.
Decoy 4: Referendum 71 will deny children two parents of opposite genders.
Referendum 71 is about domestic partnerships and most currently-registered domestic partners, whether seniors or members of the same sex, do not have children at all. While it may be ideal for all children to have a large, supportive and diverse family, domestic partnership law cannot guarantee this. What the law does do (when a same-sex parent dies) is make it easier for children to stay with the surviving parent who has helped raise them, rather than be assigned automatically to foster care or some other, more distant person. Details of moral rectitude and family life for Referendum 71 sponsors and representatives may be found elsewhere.
Decoy 5: Referendum 71 will enact severe "hate-speech" laws with strong prison sentences.
Nothing in Referendum 71 touches on constitutional guarantees of free speech or exercise of religion in any way.
Decoy 6: Referendum 71 will force schools to teach homosexuality as "normal."
Nothing in Referendum 71 touches on educational policy in any way. Neither shall public schools be forced to teach students about straight senior citizens having sex.
Decoy 7: Referendum 71 will weaken existing, traditional marriages.
Referendum 71 upholds a law explicitly designed not to affect traditional marriage in any way, as evident by the language on the ballot title itself. Domestic partnerships are restricted to same-sex couples who may NOT marry under Washington state law and couples where one partner is 62 or older. This protects the health and retirement benefits some seniors enjoy, which is one of the reasons that on July 20, the Washington State Senior Citizens Lobby endorsed the domestic partnership law. Referendum 71 does nothing to liberalize existing laws on marriage or divorce.
Don't fall for the decoys. Read the ballot title for yourself.
With campaign season upon us, educate yourself by reviewing campaign materials and web sites such as Approve71.org.
And be sure not to take any wooden nickels.
Quack, quack!
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