March 8, 2004


THE NATION
Seattle to Recognize Gay Spouses
From Associated Press

SEATTLE — Seattle's mayor said Sunday the city would begin recognizing the marriages of gay and lesbian employees who tie the knot elsewhere, although it would not conduct its own same-sex weddings.

Mayor Greg Nickels was expected to sign an executive order today giving same-sex spouses of city employees all the benefits of heterosexual spouses, including health insurance.

He also planned to send a proposal to the City Council to protect the rights of same-sex married couples in Seattle.

"The basic message is one of fairness," Nickels said. But he said he cannot follow the lead of mayors in San Francisco and New Paltz, N.Y., by allowing same-sex weddings because counties, not cities, have the authority to issue marriage licenses in Washington.