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Washington State Secures Final Vote to Legalize Gay Marriage

Posted by on Jan 23, 2012 in This Day In Gay | 6 comments

This gives "Curious George" a whole new meaning

As you are (hopefully) aware, Same-Sex Marriage has been a hot button issue in UB’s hometown. Local legislature has secured the 25th vote needed to pass the bill, and it comes from Democratic Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. The House, and Govenor Christine Gregoire are already on board, as well as openly gay State Senator Ed Murray

Today marked the first public hearing on the issue; both support and opposition were well represented. Haugen made her announcement in front of hundreds, who flocked to the state capitol following a morning committee hearing.

“I know this announcement makes me the so-called 25th vote, the vote that ensures passage,” Haugen said in a statement.

She said she took her time making up her mind to “to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy. This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor.”

…In October, a University of Washington poll found that an increasing number of people in the state support same-sex marriage. About 43 percent of respondents said they support gay marriage, up from 30 percent in the same poll five years earlier. Another 22 percent said they support giving identical rights to gay couples but just not calling it marriage.

This is certainly exciting news! If all goes according to plan, GLBTQ Washingtonians can get married this June, providing a referendum isn’t filed by opponents.

I guess I understand the reasoning behind not allowing queer people to marry in a conservative religious context (it’s convoluted, but I get it), but I am beyond sick of hearing those arguments presented when it comes to legislation. I say if you don’t want to perform the services in your church, fine. We’re here, we’re queer, we’re resourceful. We can find somewhere else to go. There’s room for us all to co-exist peacefully.

How does all of this make you feel? Do you think more states are going to be jumping on the bandwagon any time soon? Does the terminology have anything to do with public opinion, and should that matter? I’m anxious to see how these topics play out in the upcoming presidential elections.

(via The Washington Post)