Washington State could be the next to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Chris Gregoire introduced legislation today to make Washington the seventh state to legalize gay marriage. In a news conference today the Governor said,"Our gay and lesbian families face the same hurdles as heterosexual families--making ends meet, choosing what school to send their kids to, finding someone to grow old with, standing in front of friends and family and making a lifetime commitment. For all couples, a state marriage license is very important. It gives them the right to enter into a marriage contract in which their legal interests, and those of their children if any, are protected by well-established civil law."
She went on to say, "Some say domestic partnerships are the same as marriage. That's a version of the discriminatory 'separate but equal' argument."
LGBT activist Charlene Strong was at the press conference today. I asked her what her thoughts and feelings were about what Chris Gregoire announced today. Here is what she said:"The Governor of Washington spoke of her growth and understanding as to why marriage is important for gay and lesbian families, she spoke of her daughters helping her to understand the importance of her support. She spoke very openly of her faith as what stood in her way in making her decision up to now, but it is was obvious to all of us in attendance today that she has learned from her citizens of the discrimination and that DP's will never be marriage. This notion that someone changing their mind is a bad thing is baffling. I cannot see how evolving is ever a bad thing if it is done with consideration and growth and compassion for others. I am immensely proud of not only our Governor, but those in the state of Washington who continue to fight for full and inclusive equality."
The proposal will be introduced into the Washington State legislature in the session that starts Monday.
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I hope they legalize the marriage ; this will make me an my girlfriend so happy
Progress!! But yea, I got a little to excited. One of my friends was like… yea on LesbianLife it says something about Same-Sex Marriage going to Washington. I almost thought for a split second, that she meant Washington DC…
that isn’t the case though. But Congradulations Washinton State!!! I hope it becomes legalized!!
Governor Gregoire recognizes that “separate but equal” didn’t work in the past and it is not working now. Opinions and attitudes can change if people are open to knowing the turth and is fair minded. I know some don’t like when I bring up Black Civil Rights but to know the past is to know that things change slowly but they do change. And for that change to begin, the oppressed have to rally together to get the truth out to the voting majority. The same as not all caucasion people in USA were racist or supported slavery or discrimination – not all heterosexuals are against LGBT citizens.
When people are told only negative things about a certain group and they hear little or nothing to oppose it they will believe it. Now that more LGBT issues are put out to the public the majority get to hear more than negative untruths about us. The same as some states didn’t allow slavery or legal discrimination – now more states are starting to make laws to treat all citizens legally equal. Eventually the federal government will have to make it illegal for states to discriminate against LGBT citizens.
Thanks Kathy for reporting on current and past LGBT topics.
Kyrchell
Gay marriage is already legal in Washington, DC!
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/gaymarriageinformation/f/GayMarriageUS.htm