Governor Christine Gregoire indicated that she plans to sign a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the state of Washington on Monday, making Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage. On Wednesday, the bill passed the Washington House of Representatives by a vote of 55 to 43. Last week, the Washington state Senate voted 28 to 21 to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, with four Republicans voting in support of the bill.
Lacey All, Chair of Washington United for marriage, stated, “We thank Majority Leader Brown, Sen. Murray and the bipartisan coalition of senators who stood with us today in the name of equality. The overwhelming support we’re seeing from businesses, labor, faith communities, and people all across the state is a testament to the momentum of this movement and sensibilities of Washingtonians.”
Currently, New Jersey, Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Hawaii recognize same-sex civil unions. Same-sex couples can obtain marriage licenses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington, DC.
Reuters 2/9/12; Feminist Daily Newswire 2/3/12
