Judge rejects claims to sue (Seattle's) Nickels over same-sex marriages

[icymist]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001923245_nickelsuit08m.html

Saturday, May 08, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Judge rejects claims to sue Nickels over same-sex marriages

By Lornet Turnbull
Seattle Times staff reporter

A King County Superior Court judge yesterday rejected the claims of a group of Seattle area residents who sued Mayor Greg Nickels over his executive order recognizing same-sex marriages.

Judge Bruce Hilyer said the 12 plaintiffs — who filed two lawsuits that were later merged — failed to demonstrate that their case could succeed on its merits.

"Because of the nature of this controversy, the courts would have to be very circumspect in considering issuing (a ruling) against the chief executive of the City of Seattle," Hilyer said.

In March, Nickels issued an executive order recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and ordered city departments to extend benefits to city employees in such marriages.

The change seemed subtle. Seattle has been offering its employees in registered domestic-partner relationships the same benefits it offers opposite-sex couples since 1989. Last month, Seattle City Council approved legislation that will put part of the mayor's order into law.

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