Marriage equality: West Seattle leaders on State Legislature majority

You may have heard the news from Olympia – the State Legislature now has the votes to pass legislation that would make Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage. (Here are details from our partners at the Seattle Times.) West Seattle’s legislators support it, and so do other local political leaders. Read on for what they have to say:

First, the county just sent comments from County Executive Dow Constantine:

“I urge the Senators who’ve remained uncommitted to step up to this historic moment, and cast their vote for this landmark civil rights legislation.

“Once enacted, Washington would become the seventh state in the U.S. to recognize the right of all adult residents to marry. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of people like Sen. Ed Murray and supporters all across the state.

“Lawmakers in both houses should move swiftly to put this bill on the Governor’s desk, and I look forward to the day I can sign marriage certificates for any adult couple in King County.”

The same county news release included comments from County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who sponsored an amendment adding marriage equality to the County’s legislative agenda:

“Today’s announcement moves Washington closer to equal opportunity for gay and lesbian couples. We make history in recognizing that all couples should be treated equally under state law.

“As a Senator I was a proud sponsor of the state’s Domestic Partnership legislation, though marriage was always the goal. I commend my former legislative colleagues for their courageous support.

“As families across King County and the state struggle to find and keep jobs in the Great Recession, there is no better time to provide all families the protections and commitment of marriage.

“I look forward to our family and friends joining Michael, my partner of over 12 years, and I when we marry.”

West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen and his council colleagues voted unanimously earlier today to pass a resolution urging the Legislature to approve marriage equality – details here, including his quote:

“The City of Seattle has long prided itself on its commitment to equality and diversity. Marriage equality should be afforded to all consenting people. … Equality and fairness is good for people and business, and marriage equality will make Washington state more attractive to those who would move here. I applaud the efforts of Gov. Gregoire and the Legislature to pass these bills in this session.”

Mrs. T January 23, 2012 (4:25 pm)

It is about time! I am glad that our legislators are stepping up and doing their job. Civil rights issues should never be up for a public vote.

Underwhelmed January 23, 2012 (4:28 pm)

It’s about time! We’ve waited long enough…….

Kathleen Greiff January 23, 2012 (5:37 pm)

Yay!

nnnnn January 23, 2012 (5:48 pm)

Finally!

Smitty January 23, 2012 (6:54 pm)

The government should stay out of the marriage business and just call everything a civil union. If you want to get “married” then by all means go to a church and have it blessed.

Everyone gets a civil union and equal rights.

jiggers January 23, 2012 (7:03 pm)

Let them get married if they want to, why should they live a happy life..(sarcasm)

emcat8 January 23, 2012 (7:19 pm)

I wrote letters a while ago to my state congresspeople, telling them about my dear friend who had terminal cancer and wanted more than anything else to marry her companion of 15 years, legally and within the state they pay taxes in, before she died. None of them responded to me, even with a form letter. McDermott was one I wrote to a few times. His office couldn’t even bother to respond. I find it very embittering that he’s trumpeting his sponsorship in this way, though I guess I have to at least give him some props for finally getting on the bandwagon and moving this forward.

My dear friend, who was so beloved by everyone who knew her and who was so unique and wonderful, died a few months ago, never having been able to marry her partner legally in this state.

DM January 23, 2012 (7:24 pm)

Way to go Washington State Legislature! It’s about time my gay friends and neighbors had the same rights that I do! And I agree: civil rights should never be left up to a public vote.

lina January 23, 2012 (7:56 pm)

darn time!

Carter January 23, 2012 (8:14 pm)

Kudos to the politicians in this state who showed courage, intelligence, and humanity in casting their vote in favor of marriage equality. All of the other states who have marriage equality are doing just fine despite the cries of doom from opponents. If only the federal government which is supported by my dollars would respect my rights. Finally, people who are sporting and waving books full of fairy tales, stay away from my rights . . .

Scubafrog January 23, 2012 (8:22 pm)

Yay yay yay! Equality for ALL!

Interrobang January 23, 2012 (8:59 pm)

Hooray!!!!

Jtk January 23, 2012 (9:03 pm)

:) yay!

Ken January 23, 2012 (9:06 pm)

My husband and I were legally married in California in 2008. But our marriage is not (yet) recognized here in our own home state. We’ve been together 18 years and can hardly wait for our marriage – which, of course, harms no one – to be treated just like our co-workers’, friends’, and neighbors’ marriages. Legal marriage is a civil right – at least, it is for straight people according to courts throughout this country, including Washington State and the U.S. Supreme Court. It is demeaning that anyone, even state legislators, can “vote” on our marriage – but if they do, we’re thrilled that it looks like they’re going to vote “yes”. Crossing our fingers…

Bill January 23, 2012 (9:24 pm)

I entirely support gay rights. Gay people should have just the same right to marry a person of the opposite sex as anyone else.

Marie January 23, 2012 (9:58 pm)

Hurrah! The majority of people seem to finally understand that gay marriage is, like straight marriage, an option. You don’t like it, don’t get one. But for those who do so choose, blessings on ya’ll!

Chad January 24, 2012 (6:23 am)

Finally moving out of the stone ages! Congrats to our WA lawmakers for leading us toward civility.

Amalia January 24, 2012 (7:28 am)

I love living in a place where not one single hateful comment surfaces when gay marriage is discussed. :)
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Gregoire has done an incredible job (although the media – WSB excluded – present everything so shallowly, and the masses feed on dumbed-down soundbites, and they’ve managed to make her look bad as she’s made strong and smart decisions). I’ll miss her.

deep throat January 24, 2012 (9:18 am)

It’s a shame the senator is able to attach herself to good press. Do an internet search on public records for her and her husband.

Jeff January 24, 2012 (12:13 pm)

First, it’s about time. Second, why give Gregoire any credit? She goes and finally makes the right decision once she isn’t up for reelection. Way to be brave there!