Washington House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington state moved a step closer to becoming the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage Wednesday when the House of Representatives voted to send the bill to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature.
Next up: what is sure to be a long, expensive political battle, asking voters to support or overturn the law.
In a 55-43 vote, the House approved the bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to legally obtain a marriage license. The bill would not require churches or other religious organizations to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples.
Last week, the state Senate voted 28-21 in favor of the bill.
Gov. Gregoire has said she will sign it into law.
Because there is no emergency clause on the bill, the law wouldn't take effect for 90 days. Opponents have already promised a referendum battle at the ballot, so it's likely it could be put on hold pending the outcome of a November election. If opponents are unable to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, couples could marry starting in June.
A KING 5/Survey USA poll taken in January shows state voters are split on whether they support a law approving same-sex marriage.
Washington state has had a domestic partnership law since 2007, and an "everything but marriage" expansion of that law since 2009.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
(Source)
YEAHHHHHHHHHHH. But ugh seriously dnw it to go to voters.
Next up: what is sure to be a long, expensive political battle, asking voters to support or overturn the law.
In a 55-43 vote, the House approved the bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to legally obtain a marriage license. The bill would not require churches or other religious organizations to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples.
Last week, the state Senate voted 28-21 in favor of the bill.
Gov. Gregoire has said she will sign it into law.
Because there is no emergency clause on the bill, the law wouldn't take effect for 90 days. Opponents have already promised a referendum battle at the ballot, so it's likely it could be put on hold pending the outcome of a November election. If opponents are unable to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, couples could marry starting in June.
A KING 5/Survey USA poll taken in January shows state voters are split on whether they support a law approving same-sex marriage.
Washington state has had a domestic partnership law since 2007, and an "everything but marriage" expansion of that law since 2009.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
(Source)
YEAHHHHHHHHHHH. But ugh seriously dnw it to go to voters.