The legislative proposal is at the request of Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who announced her support for recognizing same-sex marriages last week. The bill would make Washington the seventh state to give legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
All told, two Republicans and 21 Democrats signed as sponsors – including:
--Democrats besides Murray include Sens. Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens, Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle, Kevin Ranker of Orcas Island, Rodney Tom of Medina, Nick Harper of Everett, Craig Pridemore of Vancouver, Karen Keiser of Kent, Adam Kline of Seattle, Debbie Regala of Tacoma, Tracey Eide of Des Moines, Christine Rolfes of Bainbridge Island, Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell, Lisa Brown of Spokane, Sharon Nelson of Vashon Island, Maralyn Chase of Shoreline, Karen Fraser of Thurston County, David Frockt of Seattle, Steve Conway of Tacoma, Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor, Margarita Prentice of Seattle.
The AP reported here on the near-majority support in the Senate on an issue considered likely to pass in the 98-member House.
Three Republicans on the King County Council voted recently to back gay marriage – including prominent Republican Reagan Dunn, who is running for attorney general.
An initiative has already been filed by religious conservatives to block it. The issue is likely to surface in the governor’s race, too. As we reported this week, Republican candidate Rob McKenna still opposes same-sex marriage, and prefers the issue go to a statewide vote. Democrat Jay Inslee favors legalizing it.
Sen. Murray issued a statement about the bill, saying:
“Separate but equal is yet another form of discrimination. For many people, I know this is a very sensitive issue. I have received many letters, emails and phone calls for and against marriage equality legislation. An overwhelming amount of constituents have sided with my own belief, that all Washington citizens deserve the chance to be equal under the law. We are free to believe whatever we choose, however we must take steps to ensure we live in a state and world where our laws protect human rights for all.
“A main concern I have heard is the right to religious freedom. The proposed marriage equality bill includes an important exemption for religious organizations and clergy to continue to exercise religious freedom.
“In the past, I have supported civil unions, domestic partnerships, and the efforts of Senator Ed Murray to stand up for equality for same sex couples. We as legislators must be vigilant about protecting all of our citizens against discrimination.
“I support marriage equality and have signed my name onto this long overdue legislation to ensure all of our children grow up in a society that truly promotes equality.”
