14 February 2012

Washington gay marriage bill signed (but already in peril)

Yesterday, just in time for Valentine's Day, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law a measure legalizing same-sex marriage in that state. The House had passed the bill last Wednesday, a week after the Senate approved it. This is a positive step forward for equality - maybe.

Opponents of the new measure are hoping to block the bill via a referendum.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "The law goes into effect on June 7, unless opponents succeed in gathering 120,577 valid voter signatures to force a referendum in November. If so, marriage equality would be held up pending a decision by Washington voters.

As with Proposition 8 in California, if the homophobes are successful in challenging the new Washington law, it could remain tied up in the courts for years.

Stay tuned, with fingers crossed for equality.

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