“My Friends welcome to the other side of the rainbow” State Senator Ed Murray said this morning in a press conference leading up to the historical victory for Marriage Equality in the state of Washington. Moments before introducing the states celebrated Governor, Murray concluded by saying,
“No matter what the future holds, nothing will take this moment away from us."
The moment that so many have waited on for years was soon to come. In a crowded room, full of enthusiastic supporters for marriage equality, Governor Chris Gregoire signed the landmark legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington State.
Since January, Gov. Gregoire has publically shared her thoughts and her struggle with issue of marriage equality but in her difficult journey she concluded that equality and justice must prevail.
During the press conference she stated,
"I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal"
Washington States Marriage equality bill was introduced a little over two weeks and passed through both houses and had the support of both Democrats and Republicans.
The law will go into effect no earlier than June 7th but there are still some potential hurdles to face before same sex couples will be able to wed in Washington. Anti-marriage equality organizations have vowed to place a referendum on the November ballot for a public vote. If the anti-marriage equality groups collect the needed 120, 5777 signatures to place it on the ballot by June 6th, the new law will be put on hold until November.
Governor Gregoire called out to the voters of Washington State to support the new law if it does end up on the November ballot by saying,
“I ask all Washingtonians to look into your hearts and ask yourself, isn’t it time for our state … to support strong families and make Washington State stronger?”
As for today’s event, one opponent could be heard shouting "do not betray Christ!" as Governor Gregoire signed the new marriage equality bill into law. The man’s sole voice was quickly drowned out by the overwhelming support for the law as the crowd cheered the Governor on this momentous day.
Washington State is now the seventh state to legalize marriage equality.
Comments