Progress in Washington and Maryland

Two good things from the last few days.
1. Insurance Companies Required to Include Domestic Partners:

(Annapolis, Maryland) The Maryland House of Delegates has passed legislation requiring health insurance companies to write policies inclusive of domestic partners and children up to the age of 25, at the request of an employer.

The 122- 18 vote came with less than an hour before the end of the 2007 session.

The bill has already been approved by the Senate and now goes to the governor for signing.

2. Washington Passes a Domestic Partnership Bill:

(Olympia, Washington) Nearly a year after the state Supreme Court upheld Washington's ban on same-sex marriage, the state Legislature passed a measure to give gay and lesbian couples some of the rights that come with marriage.

The measure passed 65-35 on Tuesday. The state Senate approved the bill last month, and it now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law.