Posted on Mar 08, 2012
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill making Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage on Monday, February 13, 2012. The Roman Catholic democrat said, “I’m proud of who and what we are as a state,” upon authorizing the gay marriage legislation. The law will take effect on June 7, 2012.

The reception room at the Capital was packed with dozens of lawmakers as well as gay rights activists and other supporters.

Opponents of the gay marriage law will seek an appeal, and two groups have submitted paperwork to put the issue before the electorate as a referendum in November 2012. After the paperwork is complete, the groups will have until June to collect over 120,000 petition signatures. One referendum would define marriage as between one man and one woman, while the other would repeal the new law itself – an issue that many believe may confuse voters. Others believe that the general population should not be allowed to vote on what they see as a civil rights issue.

Both supporters and opponents of the new law expect millions of out-of-state funds to pour in from those who oppose same-sex marriage.

“I’m proud that same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,” Gregoire stated at the signing of the bill.

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Molly B. Kenny
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Divorce and Child Custody Attorney Serving Bellevue and Seattle Washington