200 leaders representing communities of color endorse marriage in Washington

This week, Washington United for Marriage, the broad coalition of organizations and advocates working to uphold the freedom to marry in Washington, announced that nearly 200 organizations and leaders representing communities of color in the state are voicing their fervent support for marriage for same-sex couples. On November 6, Washington voters will be asked to uphold the marriage law, approved in February by Gov. Christine Gregoire, by voting to APPROVE Referendum 74. 

The push for support from communities of color represents a broad range of organizations, civic leaders, and politicians representing Asian Pacific American, Latino, black, and Native American communities. Organizations like The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, One America Votes, the Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Seattle, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Black Collective, and the Suquamish Tribe are joining together in support to show that marriage between same-sex couples will strengthen and enrich communities in the state.  

Zach Silk, the campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage, trumpeted the special week in a press release yesterday. He said:

These organizations and local leaders address a wide range of challenges facing people of color in our state today - from immigration rights to quality of life. They support R74 and our state law which gives everyone the freedom to marry because they know a strong family is the foundation to a strong community.

One of the participants in the "Communities of Color Week" that Washington United is celebrating this week is Rep. Eric Pettigrew, the state representative for the 37th Legislative District. In the release from the campaign, he explained why he supports the freedom to marry:

It's really as basic as the golden rule. Treating others as one would want to be treated includes ending the exclusion of marriage for gay couples who are truly committed to each other. Straight couples would never want someone telling them they couldn't marry, and when they think about it, many say they wouldn't want to deny what is such a special part of their lives to anyone else.

Learn more about the freedom to marry in Washington, including how you can take action - and learn about all four of the states where marriage is on the ballot this November.