Washington could soon be the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage, now that Democratic governor Chris Gregoire (right) has come out today and endorsed upcoming marriage-equality legislation in her state.
Looks like her hair isn’t the only similarity she shares with Hillary Clinton.
“It is time in Washington state for marriage equality,” Gregoire told reporters in Olympia. “It is time, it’s the right thing to do.”
Speaking of “time,” Gregoire timed her announcement just in advance of the Washington State Legislature’s reconvening next week. If the the bill passes, Washington would join New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa, and the District of Columbia in fully recognizing marriage equality.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Naturally, the GOP is already mobilizing against the issue: Republican State Senator Dan Swecker told the Bellingham Herald: “It’s too bad we’d try to deal with this issue, that tends to be very divisive, in a year when we have these other major financial issues facing us.” (Washington is currently facing a $1.5 billion shortfall)
Why is it there’s always more important matters when someone wants to pass marriage-equality legislation, but if there’s a marriage ban or a “Don’t Say Gay” bill proposed, suddenly there’s all the time in the world.
Senator Ed Murray and Representative Jamie Pedersen, both openly gay Democrats from Seattle, are expected to champion the measure.
With a 27-22 majority in the Senate and a 56-42 advantage in the House, Democrats have a good shot at getting it passed, though the Herald reports that, in the past, “some conservative Democrats in the Senate have voted with Republicans when it comes to extending rights to same-sex couples.”
iDavid
With all the rain clouds and gloom of Seattle, I certainly hope this at least metaphorically brightens some days if this passes. I’m certainly sending sunny vibes their way.
TASTEY GOODIES
YAHOO! NOW WE JUST NEED 2 GET RID OF RICK “VOMIT BAG” PERRY OUT OF OFFICE AND OUT TX-4EVER!
Alex, UK
OMG Democrats voting against queer rights? !
xander
Yay ChrisGregoire…now NOM has a new state to waste their money and time on! Nothing like fighting a losing culture war on multiple fronts to make and org. spin their wheels.
CJ
Yes, there are still Democrats that vote against gay marriage equality. As with most politicians, they tend to move in the direction that is safe and doesn’t risk their job. If it risks them getting re-elected… it isn’t going to happen. Democrats are not pro-LGBT by nature. That is a total farce. Everything relating to civil rights is always progressive through time. Twenty five years ago you’d never get a Democratic governor standing up for gay marriage. Today, in a very liberal state like Washington, it is now safe. Even so, Gregoire has waited until the 11th hour of her last term as governor (two terms total). Better late than never. But, she’s gotta convince all Democrats to vote for it. Even with Democratic majorities there is still a good chance it won’t pass.