Marriage Bill Introduced in Washington State

February 15, 2011

In a Valentine's Day gift for Washingtonians, legislators there have introduced bills in the House and Senate that would end marriage discrimination in the state. A so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" was passed in 1998, although a domestic partnership law was adopted in 2009. A majority of Washington residents support the freedom to marry. The bills are being sponsored by two openly gay lawmakers, Rep. Jim Moeller (D) and Sen. Ed Murray (D).

"We've made tremendous progress since 1998," Murray said. "Gay and lesbian families in Washington now enjoy the same state spousal rights that their married straight friends enjoy – except for the name ‘marriage’. The recognition that their loving, lifelong commitment is no different from the loving, lifelong commitment of straight couples is the final step to achieving full equality. I believe the Legislature and the public are both ready to take that final step."

Freedom to Marry is working with Equal Rights Washington to build support for the bills in the statehouse, and to grow the majority for marriage statewide.