Backholm said he and his group are part of the Preserve Marriage Washington campaign that will push to pass R-73. Others include Concerned Women for America, Stand for Marriage Washington and the National Organization for Marriage, whose regional coordinator Christopher Plante was on hand for the filing.
“They will be involved. They will be in the leadership. They’ve been involved in other states,” Backholm said of the national group. He said the marriage question is foundational and fundamental enough that it should, like taxes, be voted upon.
Proponents of Senate Bill 6239, the gay marriage bill signed by Gregoire, say it is a matter of equality, and they point to same-sex couples who raise children but are treated differently under marriage laws from traditional married couples. Some also have argued that on a matter of civil rights affecting a minority group, it is wrong to put it up to a vote of the majority.
Washington voters upheld the state’s “everything but marriage” law for registered domestic partners in 2009, the first time voters affirmed the legal recognition of same-sex couples in the country. But Backholm said voters in 31 states have upheld or approved marriage laws restricting it to relations between a man and a woman, and he thinks Washington voters will, too.
Backholm expects a costly campaign with millions of dollars spent. He acknowledged groups outside the state may donate.
The Office of the Secretary of State has this question-and-answer feature to explain how a referendum process may play out.
To watch Gregoire’s signing, go here.
