A Thurston County judge ruled Tuesday that a referendum to repeal the same-sex marriage law cannot include the phrase “redefine marriage” on the ballot in the fall election. The ruling frees backers of the referendum to begin collecting the 120,577 signatures they need by June 6th to put the issue to voters.

Gov. Gregoire signed a bill passed by the Legislature last month that allows same-sex couples to marry. Opponents of same-sex marriage are seeking to overturn the law with Referendum 74, which asks voters to approve or reject the legislation.

The Attorney General’s original language for the ballot summary of Referendum 74 said it would “redefine marriage” to allow same-sex couples to marry. The League of Women Voters of Washington and PFLAG sued to challenge the wording, arguing that it was politically charged.

Under Judge Thomas McPhee’s ruling, the following language will be used to summarize the ballot measure if it reaches voters:

“This bill allows same-sex couples to marry, applies marriage laws without regard to gender and specifies that laws using gender-specific terms like husband and wife include same-sex spouses. After 2014, existing domestic partnerships are converted to marriages, except for seniors.  It preserves the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform or recognize any marriage or accommodate wedding ceremonies.  The bill does not affect licensing of religious organizations providing adoption, foster care or child placement.”

Tags: same-sex marriage

Flanked by more than 40 lawmakers, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill into law this morning legalizing same-sex marriage. Hundreds of people waited outside the state reception room where she signed the bill, and they chanted “Gregoire! Gregoire!” as she walked in.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who sponsored the House’s version of the bill, said he’s proud of Washington for taking a first step toward equal rights.

“With the signing of this bill, Washington is the first state to repeal the first so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make marriage available to gay and lesbian families,” Pedersen said. He thanked his partner and “future husband” Eric, who was at the signing with their four young children.

Regardless of what happens in the months ahead, Sen. Ed Murray said “nothing will take this moment in history away from us.” He was referring to an effort by opponents to put a referendum on the November ballot that would repeal the same-sex marriage law.

Murray thanked several lawmakers for their support, including Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma. “You’ve heard it said you need a woman in the house. Well, the skills of Rep. Laurie Jinkins proves that you need a lesbian in the house,” Murray joked.

In her remarks before signing the bill, Gov. Gregoire said today “is a proud day that historians will mark as a milestone for equal rights.”

She talked about a 16-year-old girl who had considered suicide because of her sexual orientation, but changed her mind after hearing the discussion surrounding same-sex marriage, which “allowed her to live.” Gregoire teared up when thanking the younger generation — especially her daughters — for speaking up in support of equal rights.

Tags: Gov. Gregoire, same-sex marriage

At 11:30 a.m., Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign a bill into law that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state. We’ll be live with the event on TVW, and we’ll also have coverage on the blog.

Opponents have promised to put a referendum on the ballot that would overturn the law. After she’s signed the bill, they are allowed to begin collecting the 120,577 signatures they’ll need to send the issue to the ballot in November. If they collect enough signatures by June 6th, then the law will be suspended until the results of the November election are certified. Otherwise, same-sex couples could wed as early as June 7th.

Tags: same-sex marriage

The House voted to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage 55-43, following more than two hours of debate.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen opened up debate by saying that he and his partner Eric are grateful for the protections that their domestic partnership provides, but it is a “pale and inadequate substitute” for marriage.

“Marriage is the word our society uses to describe a committed, lifelong relationship,” Pedersen said. “Teachers, doctors, neighbors — and as we discovered this weekend — TurboTax understands the word marriage immediately. They do not understand domestic partnership.”

Rep. Jay Rodne said there is a “natural order” to human existence, and children adopted by same-sex couples will lose a connection with one of their biological parents. “For the first time in Washington history, the state will sever a relationship with one of the child’s biological parents,” Rodne said.

Rep. Norma Smith also urged a “no” vote, saying that the bill is a part of a broader issue being played across the country with implications for religious freedom. “Individuals are left out of this bill,” Smith said. “Small business owners who have a heartfelt view – born out of their love of God – have the potential to be silenced.”

Rep. Maureen Walsh was the first Republican to speak in support of the bill. She told a story about how her daughter stood up for a kid who was being bullied in school because it was the right thing to do. As an adult, her daughter came out of the closet. “Nothing is different. She’s still a fabulous human being and met a person she loves, and someday I want to throw a wedding for that kid,” Walsh said. “I hope I can do that. I hope she will not feel like a second-class citizen. Domestic partnership sounds like a Merry Maids franchise.”

Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney said she has two sons who are gay. “Both have been subjected to harassment and rejection. This hurt cannot be erased, and some will last with them forever,” she said.

Tags: same-sex marriage

The House has just begun its debate on legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.

At least eight amendments are on the table; the first one, introduced by Rep. Matt Shea, would protect private businesses — such as florists and bakers — who refuse to provide services for gay and lesbian couples. Shea also introduced an amendment that would require that couples have a one-month waiting period before getting married. Neither amendment passed.

Rep. Jay Rodne asked for a referendum clause that would send the issue to voters in November, saying that same-sex marriage is “one of the most important issues the body will consider this session.” Speaking against the amendment, Rep. Deborah Eddy compared the issue to interracial marriage and said that it is the legislature’s duty to stand up for civil rights.

None of the amendments passed. They are now moving on to the vote.

Tags: same-sex marriage

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

Monday: The House Judiciary committee voted the same-sex marriage legislation out of committee. A Senate committee heard a bill that would tighten up ethical rules for public employees, prompted by a case last year of an ethics claim against a Department of Corrections administrator who worked on behalf of nonprofit groups on state time. And a bipartisan group of 42 Washington state lawmakers sent a letter to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration asking for marijuana to be reclassified so it can be prescribed as a medicine by doctors and filled in pharmacies..

Watch Monday’s Legislative Review.

Tuesday: The House Labor committee on heard five bills related to the minimum wage, including one that would lower the base wage of tipped employees and another that would pay a lower “training wage.” The Senate Higher Education committee considered a bill that would prohibit state money from going to college athletics. And a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked that the state fund K-12 education separately from the rest of the budget.

Watch Tuesday’s Legislative Review.

Wednesday: In a late night floor session, the state Senate voted 28-21 to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. We have full video and a photo gallery from the event. On the show, we covered the redistricting plan as it took a first big step forward, and legislation that would allow schools to have classes separated by gender.

Watch Wednesday’s Legislative Review.

Thursday: House Republicans offered details on a plan that would create a separate K-12 education budget. Also, lawmakers considered stricter rules for spraying pesticides on farmland.

Watch Thursday’s Legislative Review.

Friday: Today is the cutoff day for non-budget policy bills to be considered in committee. Catch tonight’s half-hour edition of Legislative Review recapping the week’s events at 6:30 and 11 p.m. on TVW.

Tags: education, same-sex marriage

Sen. Paull Shin, a Democrat who voted against same-sex marriage legislation, hugged the bill's prime sponsor, Sen. Ed Murray, in the wings after the bill passed.

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The state Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday night with a vote of 28-21. Watch the full debate and vote here.

With Gov. Chris Gregoire and his partner of 21 years standing behind him in the wings, Sen. Ed Murray asked his fellow lawmakers in the state Senate to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. “I realize this is a difficult personal issue because it is about family, and at the heart of family is marriage,” Murray said.

Other senators shared their personal stories, at times getting emotional. Republican Sen. Dan Swecker said he was opposed to changing the definition of marriage. In response, Sen. Debbie Regala said when she married her husband 44 years ago, the ban on interracial marriage had just been lifted. “I am really glad that the definition of a legal marriage has been changed to include mine,” Regala said.

Sen. Kevin Ranker said his father is gay, and many people in his own family refused to accept it. “People dealt with my father’s life by ignoring it, by not talking about it. This silence was worse than outspoken hatred,” he said in an emotional speech.

Republican Sen. Cheryl Pflug explained why she is supporting the bill. Tradition is not always right, she said, particularly when it came to racial struggles in the past. Tradition “is kind to the majority, but not to the minority,” Pflug said.

More than hour into the debate, Sen. Margarita Prentice drew laughter and applause when she said she’s ready to vote. Speaking before the vote began, Sen. Ed Murray said that no matter how his friends in the Senate vote, they’ll still be getting something from him: A wedding invitation.

The bill passed with 28 yes votes and 21 no votes, with four Republicans voting in support of the bill. Dozens of people watching in the gallery erupted into cheers and applause after the vote on the bill, which passed with seven amendments. The House will likely take the up the issue early next week.

After the session adjourned, Sen. Ed Murry said he had anticipated 27 votes, so getting 28 votes was a “pleasant” surprise.

“I was moved by my colleagues’ courage, and the tone of the debate was one of the best I’ve seen in 17 years in the Legislature,” Murray said.

Gov. Chris Gregoire released a statement after the vote applauding the move. “Tonight the Washington state Senate stood up for what is right and told all families in our state that they are equal, and that the state cannot be in the business of discrimination,” Gregoire said.

Tags: Ed Murray, gay marriage