UPDATE, Feb. 13, 12:30 p.m.: Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, surrounded applauding gay couples and with the media looking on, on Monday in Olympia signed into law historic legislation that would make Washington the seventh state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.
"This is a very proud moment," Gregoire said, according to the Seattle Times.
The change takes effect in 90 days, on June 7. In the meantime, opponents of gay marriage are vowing to fight the law with a referendum that would repeal it. If they can gather 120,577 signature before June 6, it would delay the law until the November election.
Kirkland Patch asked readers for their views last week when the state House passed the bill, and its informal survey by Monday showed 34 people supporting same-sex marriage and 21 opposed. Or poll remains open; you can also still share your views in the comment box below.
For the full Times story on the bill signing, click here.
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Original story, Feb. 9: In a 55-43 vote, the state house approved legislation Wednesday, Feb. 8, legalizing same sex marriage. The legislation in a 28-21 vote. Gov. Chris Gregoire said after the vote Wednesday that she will sign the bill.
“This is truly a historic day in Washington state, and one where I couldn’t be more proud. With today’s vote, we tell the nation that Washington state will no longer deny our citizens the opportunity to marry the person they love. We tell every child of same-sex couples that their family is every bit as equal and important as all other families in our state. And we take a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation,” she posted on her website after Wednesday's vote.
“I commend our House members and thank Rep. Jamie Pedersen for sponsoring this bill. Our legislators showed courage, respect, and professionalism. I look forward to signing this piece of legislation, and putting into law an end to an era of discrimination.”
She is expected to announce Thursday when she will sign the legislation.
What do you think about this issue that has been so divisive nationwide? Please take our informal, unscientific poll.
