History was made in Olympia, Washington where voters have approved the state’s “Everything But Marriage” law expanding rights for domestic partners. This is the first time a state’s voters approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box. Sen. Ed Murray a Seattle Democrat spearheaded the law and called it “a great step forward for equality in Washington State.”
Things still aren’t completely equal though, full-fledged same-sex marriage still isn’t allowed in the state. Still, supporting groups –The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Family Equality Council were very excited about the outcome of the vote.
Opposing the law was Gary Randall of Protect Marriage Washington, “We’re just going to wait and watch it play out,” he said. Many opponents argued the law is a steppingstone to same-sex marriage. Gay-rights activists countered this argument by asking them to set aside the gay marriage debate for another time, as same-sex couples need additional legal protection and rights now.
Anne Levinson, chairwoman of Washington Families Standing Together, which battled to keep the law on the books stated “This is a day which we can all look back with pride.”
Tags: gay marriage, gay rights, lesbian marriage, same sex couples