Historic Gay Rights Measure Leading 51-49 SEATTLE, WA (KPLU) - Gays and lesbians celebrated in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood as Referendum-71 appears headed for approval. The measure has a small but apparently solid lead, 51% to 49%. It would expand the state's domestic partnership law.

State Rep. Jamie Pederson (D), who sponsored the measure in the legislature, joined supporters in Seattle. He says passing the referendum is about fighting on behalf of gay and lesbian couples and families. He and his partner Eric have four young boys.

If the "everything but marriage" law holds on to its lead, more than 200 rights and benefits will be granted to non-married couples. Pederson says its passage would signal the state of Washington embraces diversity. But he adds, full equality for gays and lesbians would include the right to marry.

Voters in King County are approving the referendum by a two-to-one margin. It's also passing in ten other counties, all of them in the Puget Sound region, but losing by wide margins in eastern Washington and several western counties.

If the vote holds up, it would be the first time anywhere in America that a state-wide vote has supported expanding gay rights, according to the Seattle Times. © Copyright 2009, KPLU