You May Now Get Gay-Married in Washington State

|

Via the Washington Blade: 

Washington State Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law late Monday morning legislation that would enable same-sex couples to marry in the Evergreen State as advocates prepare for a possible fight over the measure at the ballot.

"I'm proud that our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal," Gregoire said in her remarks. "They will be equal in the great state of Washington."

Gregoire signed the legislation surrounded by LGBT advocates, including gay State Rep. Jamie Pedersen and gay State Sen. Ed Murray, champions of the legislation who introduced the governor at the ceremony.

After signing the bill, Gregoire exclaimed, "It is signed!"

Murray said during his remarks, "My friends, welcome to the other side of the rainbow!" Prior to the signing the legislation, the audience at the signing ceremony chanted "Gre-goire! Gre-goire!" Later during the event, they chanted, "Thank-you! Thank-you!"

Gregoire asserted during her remarks that the legislation enables gay couples to obtain marriage licenses while allowing churches and religious organizations to opt out of recognizing these unions. Repeatedly throughout the remarks, Gregoire thanked the legislature for approving and conducting a civil, respectful debate on the issue.

Related: Salon's excellent and surprisingly even-handed profile of hetero paladin Maggie Gallagher.