Marriage Equality Vote Means Marriage, Divorce Certificates Must Change

Public hearing Nov. 28 for comments on changes in gender-specific terms.

The Department of Health is seeking comments from the public on proposed changes in gender-specific terms for Washington’s marriage and divorce certificates in response to the new same-sex marriage law that takes effect on December 6.

A public hearing will be held at 8 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, at 310 Israel Road SE, Rooms 152-153, in Tumwater. The department collects records of all people who marry or divorce in Washington, and issues copies of records to the public. Current forms use gender-specific terms, including bride, groom, husband, and wife. State health officials propose using gender-neutral terms on certificates. The proposal includes identifying the gender of couples on the certificate form, so the public will have information about the number of same-sex couples in Washington.