SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2012 - With the enactment of full marriage equality in Washington state today, over 42% of Americans now live in the 21 states that offer some form of legal recognition at the state level for same-sex relationships: marriage equality (CT, DC, IA, MA, NH, NY, VT, WA); civil union (DE, HI, IL, NJ, RI); or domestic partnership (CA, CO, MD, ME, NV, NM, OR, WI).
The latest map from Marriage Equality USA illustrates the states offering partial equality as well as itemizing the 30 states where various bans on marriage – by law, by constitution, or both law and constitution – remain in effect. Visit http://www.marriageequality.org/current-status.
"Washington State is the latest state to have marriage equality for all, and the model for winning the freedom to marry nationwide. Like New York State before it, Washington demonstrates that leadership with vision from the Governor and bipartisan support in the legislature is the winning combination to advancing civil rights," said Stuart Gaffney, Marriage Equality USA Media Director. "Four Republican votes in the Senate were the key to passing this historic legislation, and Republican State Representative Maureen Walsh brought the legislature to tears with her moving speech before the historic vote."
Marriages will begin in June, unless opponents of equality gather enough signatures for a statewide referendum.
"Last week's decision from the Ninth Circuit sends a strong message that fundamental rights should not be put up for a popular vote, and we are confident the people of Washington State will either refuse to sign the referendum petitions or defeat this anti-equality referendum if it reaches the ballot," stated John Lewis, Marriage Equality USA Legal Director.
Seattle WA resident Peter Allen had this to say, "As a Washingtonian I am glad the Legislature and the Governor are extending to the gay and lesbian communities the marriage rights the rest of us have always enjoyed. It's about time!"
"Gov. Gregoire, as a Catholic, became a model for people of faith who support marriage equality when she said '... the religions can decide what they want to do, but it’s not O.K. for the state to discriminate,'" added Rev. Roland Stringfellow, Director of Ministerial Outreach for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies. "Love is a blessing, and as people of faith we celebrate more love and more marriage in Washington State."
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