Washington governor supports gay marriage law

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Washington governor supports gay marriage law

SEATTLE | Wed Jan 4, 2012 2:56pm EST

(Reuters) - Washington governor Chris Gregoire announced her support for gay marriage legislation on Wednesday, potentially putting the state on track to become the nation's seventh to fully recognize same-sex unions.

Democrat Gregoire, in the final year of her second term, is backing legislation to be introduced before the Washington state legislature, which reconvenes next week.

"It is time in Washington state for marriage equality," said Gregoire at a media conference in the state capital of Olympia. "It is time, it's the right thing to do."

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Although Democrats hold majorities in both Washington state's chambers, a bill is not certain to pass, as some conservative Democrats have sided with Republicans on the issue.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/04/us-gaymarriage-governor-washington-idUSTRE8031SN20120104

[stevedeshazer]

1. Excellent!

This stands a good chance to pass in Washington, if not by legislation, ballot initiative.

+1

[customerserviceguy]

2. Every time the voters of the state of Washington have had the issue before them

they made the choice towards equality. I hope their legislature has the courage from that experience to make this reality.

One possible punt is the referendum process, where the legislature can say, "We don't really want to decide this thing, but we will give the voters a chance to give it thumbs up or down." That's a reasonable possibilty, as it gives Democratic legislators an out with conservative voter bases in their districts.