Mark your calendars and call the planner, taken Washington couples can legally marry beginning June 7th.
Same-sex marriage in Washington has a long history of consideration before the legislature and courts. On February 13, 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill legalizing gay unions. Prior to the historic decision, the issue of gay and lesbian couples reaching the alter has been an evolutionary process.
In 2006, during a wave of state same-sex marriage bans, the Washington legislature amended the state constitution to limit marriage between members of the opposite sex but gave themselves the power to reverse the decision through majority vote.
They did just that in 2007, granting Washington gays domestic partnership rights, but still not the full claim to marriage. Same-sex marriage rights crept forward in 2011 when the marriages of out-of-state gays and lesbians were recognized in Washington at the anger of LGBT residents.
However, this year marks complete inclusion of same-sex unions by all within Washington. Opponents hope to bring the issue up on the November ballot. If successful, history could be repeated. If not, there are welcomed days of equality ahead.
Update: Washington Gay Marriages On Hold Until November Ballot
Same-sex marriage in Washington has a long history of consideration before the legislature and courts. On February 13, 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill legalizing gay unions. Prior to the historic decision, the issue of gay and lesbian couples reaching the alter has been an evolutionary process.
In 2006, during a wave of state same-sex marriage bans, the Washington legislature amended the state constitution to limit marriage between members of the opposite sex but gave themselves the power to reverse the decision through majority vote.
They did just that in 2007, granting Washington gays domestic partnership rights, but still not the full claim to marriage. Same-sex marriage rights crept forward in 2011 when the marriages of out-of-state gays and lesbians were recognized in Washington at the anger of LGBT residents.
However, this year marks complete inclusion of same-sex unions by all within Washington. Opponents hope to bring the issue up on the November ballot. If successful, history could be repeated. If not, there are welcomed days of equality ahead.
Update: Washington Gay Marriages On Hold Until November Ballot
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