Sept 2003:
CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES GAY DOMESTIC PARTNER BILL

to take effect on Jan. 1, 2005,
the bill would give domestic partners the ability to
--get health coverage under a partner's plan
--get access to family student housing
--refuse to testify against the other partner in a trial
--apply for absentee ballots on a partner's behalf
--take bereavement and family care leave
--be exemptions from estate and gift taxes
--make funeral arrangements
--consent to an autopsy
--donate organs

a partner
--might have to pay child support and/or alimony,
--would be responsible for their partner's debts,
--would have their partner's income factored into
   their eligibility for public assistance benefits, and
--would be required to disclose their relationships
   to avoid nepotism and conflicts of interest.

Two years ago, the Calif Legislature passed
a measure giving domestic partners the right to
--make medical decisions for incapacitated partners,
--sue for a partner's wrongful death and
--adopt a partner's child.

California will be in the same league as Vermont
in terms of the rights afforded gay and lesbian couples,

They removed a provision that would have allowed domestic partners
to file their state income taxes jointly.