In yet another step forward for marriage equality rights in the United States, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed today a bill granting almost all of the state rights of married spouses.

“They will make for stronger families, and when we have stronger families, we have a stronger Washington state,” Gregoire stated in a story syndicated by 365gay.com.

“The legislation makes domestic partnerships equal to marriage in areas of community property, guardianship and powers of attorney. It allows partners the right to refuse to testify against partners in court. And it provides the same remedies as married couples to end a relationship, including the division of property.

The legislation expands on previous domestic partnership laws by adding reference to partnerships alongside all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are mentioned.”