Marriage Equality Supporters to Gather Sunday at Northlake Unitarian

Mayor Joan McBride and local legislators are expected to join supporters of the marriage equality measure Referendum 74 for a “day of action” Sunday at Kirkland’s .

Sponsored by Washington United for Marriage, the event is called “Kirkland 4 Marriage Day of Action” and will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Northlake Unitarian’s Rev. Marian Stewart, long active in local interfaith activities, said the event is designed to raise awareness about the referendum, which, if approved, would provide marriage equality for same-sex couples.

“It’s basically to say, ‘Hey, Eastsiders, a suburban area can actually be supportive of equality in marriage,’” she said. “It’s not just an urban issue. Everybody on the Eastside is welcome, but we’re especially focused on Kirkland.”

Referendum 74 will be on the Nov. 6 general election ballot after opponents of a marriage equality bill passed by the Legislature and signed last spring by Gov. Chris Gregoire obtained enough signatures to put it to a vote of the people. Washington United for Marriage is a political action committee formed to support passage of the referendum. Its website says it is supported by more than 500 organizations, congregations, unions and businesses.

Northlake Unitarian is at 308 4th Ave. S.