Washington ? Amid happy tears and rounds of applause, Gov. Chris Gregoire on Saturday signed into law a bill that grants same-sex couples some of the same rights as married people.

“This is a very good moment for me,” the Democratic governor told a crowd packed into the ornate marbled state reception room in Olympia.

The state law will take effect in 90 days. It gives gays, lesbians and unmarried seniors rights to visit a partner in the hospital, inherit property when there’s no will, and make decisions on matters like emergency health care, funeral arrangements and disposition of remains. Domestic partners are to register with the secretary of state’s office to qualify for the rights.