LinkThe legislation, the Domestic Partnership Joint Filing Act of 2006, is the latest in a series of far-reaching domestic partner laws the Council has adopted over the past three years. Gay activists and city officials say the laws collectively provide same-sex couples with nearly all the local rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples.
"In reality, we have civil unions in all but name," said gay D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who voted for the bill. "It's a real sign that this legislature is truly committed to equal rights for same-sex couples."
