Washington’s same-sex marriage bill is on its way to Gov. Chris Gregoire for signing in the next few days. The Democrat-controlled state House voted 55 to 43 this afternoon to approve Senate Bill 6239.
Two Republicans voted yes (Glenn Anderson of Fall City and Maureen Walsh of Walla Walla) and three Democrats voted no (Chris Hurst of Enumclaw, Steve Kirby of Tacoma and Mark Miloscia of Federal Way). The House roll call list is here. The vote follows last week’s 28-to-21 vote in the Senate.
Karina Shagren of the Governor’s Office said it is still undecided when Gov. Chris Gregoire will sign the bill “but I would say by early next week is a safe bet.’’ Gregoire has five working days – including Saturday – to sign it, once the Legislature transmits the approved measure to her.
“Marriage is the word that our society uses to describe a committed, lifelong relationship,’’ Democratic Rep. Jamie Pedersen of Seattle said in a floor speech advocating for the bill’s passage. He argued the bill protects freedoms, families and children raised by same-sex couples.
Plenty of Republicans were on the other side, including Rep. Jay Rodne of North Bend, who said: “I stand in defense of traditional marriage. I am not ashamed to say I am guided by my Catholic faith.’’
Rodne disputed claims the marriage question is a civil rights issue. And he warned the marriage bill carries harm for children who might be raised in a same-sex marriage – arguing that it will “sever” a child’s relationship with one biological parent.
“It is antithetical to everything that a marriage stands for. Yet through force of law that child will lose one of its parents. I find this profoundly sad,’’ Rodne said.
Among South Sound Democrats speaking in favor were Rep. Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma, who said the bill protects families, and Rep. Sam Hunt of Olympia, who spoke of the gay friends his daughter Megan and son Nathan know. He said his children, his wife of 41 years and his 91 year old mother all asked him to vote in favor.
Among South Sound Republicans speaking against SB 6239 was Rep. Jim McCune of Graham, who said: “No one in this body has the right to change the definition of marriage … God himself ordained the one-man and one-woman (arrangement).’’
Republican efforts to attach a referendum clause to the bill died on a 47-to-51 vote. Opponents including the evangelical Faith and Freedom Network have pledged to mount a referendum or initiative to repeal the law, and one activist has already filed Initiative 1192 to limit marriages by law to one man and one woman.
To explain how the ballot challenges might unfold, the Office of the Secretary of State has produced a primer and also this question-and-answer feature on the circulation of petitions.
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and original sponsor of the Senate bill put out a statement as the bill neared its final vote:
“It took the courage of many legislators who struggled with a difficult issue and decided to do what they believe is best for all Washingtonians to make today’s historic vote possible. It will bring to an end what has been, for me, a 17-year-struggle in the Legislature to recognize the civil rights of gay and lesbian couples in our state.
“In truth, it was the families who shared their stories of love and commitment who spoke to the hearts of legislators and changed minds. We will need more of that mettle – the courage to share deeply personal stories for the cause of justice – if we are to win the hearts and minds of the people of Washington. I expect a referendum on this issue, and I remain confident that, ultimately, marriage equality will be Washington’s law.”
We have a story in the works for tomorrow’s print editions.