Same-sex marriage bill clears House committee

Washington state is moving quickly toward final passage of a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. Less than a week after the state Senate approved the measure, the House Judiciary committee voted this morning 7-5 to pass the Senate’s version of the same-sex marriage bill.

It was the final public hearing on the issue, and more than a dozen supporters and opponents testified. Among them was Charlene Strong, whose partner Kate Fleming died in 2006 when the basement of their Seattle home flooded. Because they were not married, “I was left like a stranger trying to find someone’s in Kate’s family who could give me permission to be by my dying wife’s side,” she said.

Republicans introduced several amendments, but none passed. Previous debates have focused on the rights of private businesses – such as florists and bakers – who refuse to provide services to gay couples. That was again a point of contention at Monday’s vote.

“What we are doing is creating a confrontation where individuals will have to choose between their religious beliefs and their livelihood,” said Rep. Matt Shea, who called it a “horrible, horrible choice.”

The full House could vote on the issue as early as this week. It would then go to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature.

Tags: same-sex marriage