It is about time that we rid ourselves of the codification of prejudice and hate. Those on the Right that fear the different inasmuch as their behavior against others is what should be feared will continue to be alienated from civilized society and that is good. Those of us on the left better be careful and not get lazy. We must vote and continue to make our voices heard. Even though the mainstream media gives great voice and time to the Right and other haters the heart of America is really with us whether admitted or not.
Washington Gay Marriage: Legislature Has Enough Votes To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
RACHEL LA CORTE 01/23/12 05:07 PM ET Associated Press
OLYMPIA, Wash. — As lawmakers held their first public hearing on legalizing same-sex marriage, a previously undecided Democratic senator on Monday announced her support for the measure, all but ensuring that Washington will become the seventh state to allow gay and lesbian couples to get married.
The announcement by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, that she would cast the 25th and deciding vote in favor of the issue came as hundreds of people filled the Capitol to advocate for and against gay marriage.
In a written statement issued at the end of a Senate committee hearing on the bill, Haugen said she took her time making up her mind to "to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy."
"This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor," she said.
The state House is widely expected to have enough support to pass gay marriage, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed the proposal earlier this month. If a marriage bill is passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples will be able to get married starting in June unless opponents file a referendum to challenge it. Opponents have already said they will.
A referendum can’t be filed until after the bill is signed into law by Gregoire. Opponents then must turn in 120,577 signatures by July 6.
Opponents and supporters packed a Senate committee hearing for the first public hearing of the most high-profile issue before the Legislature this session. The Senate set up three overflow areas for the public, including the public gallery on the Senate floor.
Gay marriage foes wore buttons that said "Marriage. One Man. One Woman." Others wore stickers that read "Washington United for Marriage," a group that announced in November that it was forming a coalition to support same-sex marriage legislation.
Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has led the push for gay civil rights and domestic partnerships, testified before the Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee with his longtime partner, Michael Shiosaki.
Washington Gay Marriage: Legislature Has Enough Votes To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
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