Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, February 1, 2012
LGBTQITSLFA / Olympia
Liveblogging the Washington State Senate's Debate and Vote on IN FAVOR OF GAY MARRIAGE
Posted by Eli Sanders on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 6:06 PM
The proceedings are streaming here, and showing in Seattle at this bar.
6 p.m. The senate was called to order, members of both parties immediately recessed to their private caucus rooms to strategize, and Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen (who presides over the senate) reminded everyone up in the packed galleries that there are strict rules of decorum that should be observed. We'll see how that goes, but so far everyone's on their best behavior. Sen. Ed Murray promises that this will be over before the sun comes up... and hopefully it won't come to that. But just in case I have a nice seat here in the corner of the senate floor. Spotted watching intently from the wings: State Representative Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle.
- E.S.
6:10 p.m. State Senator Brian Hatfield of Longview, one of four remaining undecided senators, announces that he'll vote for gay marriage. "After months of thought and prayer, I have decided that I will offer my vote in support of Senate Bill 6239," Hatfield says in a statement. "I believe this will not be the final word on this issue, as it is almost certain the voters of this state will have a chance to weigh in with our collective, 'yea' or 'nay'. I now hope that the Legislature can return to the business of the state, including balancing the budget, creating jobs and moving toward a full economic recovery.”
6:37 p.m. Back in session. First order of business: Rule suspended to allow the senate to meet until after 10 p.m. today—get comfy. (However, the senate also agreed to limit members' remarks to three minutes.)
- E.S.
- State Senator Joe Fain, R-47, offering his amendment.
6:41 p.m. A number of amendments are now being adopted—which means, in the Democrat-controlled senate, that they're viewed as friendly amendments. Most interesting to me so far: An amendment offered by undecided Senator Joe Fain (R-47) that says, "A regularly licensed or ordained minister or priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization shall be immune from any civil claim or cause of action based on a refusal to solemnize or recognize any marriage under this section." It was adopted, and one wonders whether Fain has now received the assurances he needs to vote yea.
6:54 p.m. An amendment offered by Senator Mike Padden (R-4) would keep judges or justices of the peace from being forced to perform same-sex marriages. Democrats and their (few) Republican allies voted it down, after it was noted that judges and justices of the peace already have the right to decline to perform any marriage, and this would not change if same-sex marriage is legalized.
7:00 p.m. Also voted down: An amendment by Senator Dan Swecker (R-20) that would have amended Washington's equal protection law to allow businesses to decline services—like wedding photography, flower delivery, etc.—to gay couples getting married "if such a marriage is contrary to the individual's or the owner of the entity's religious beliefs."
- E.S.
- Republican Senator Cheryl Pflug (R-5), one of two Republicans who have said they will vote for gay marriage.
7:12 p.m. Democratic Senator Brian Hatfield (who, as I mentioned earlier, just this evening came out in favor of gay marriage) now offers an amendment sending this bill directly to voters for approval or disapproval: "The secretary of state shall submit this act to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next general election to be held in this state, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution and the laws adopted to facilitate its operation." Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) is now speaking against this idea, saying it puts minority rights up to a majority vote. Brown, in her speech, notes that her sister has been in a same-sex marriage for many years. "This is not something that you ask folks to vote on in my opinion," Brown says.
7:25 p.m. After a long discussion that involved Senator Don Benton (R-17) waving around a piece of paper showing that gays are .5 percent of the population—and therefore claiming that the people should get to vote on their rights, and that maybe the senate doesn't even have the power to change an institution as old as marriage anyway—Hatfield's put-it-up-for-immediate-vote amendment is narrowly voted down, 26 to 23. Murray, in a stinging response to Benton's talk about .5 percent of the population, reminded Benton that representative democracy exists, in part, to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. "That one half of one percent is the reason this chamber is here," Murray said.
7:30 p.m. Now we're into the speeches, in which lawmakers explain why they're voting yes or no. Murray goes first, with an eloquent argument for including gays and lesbian citizens in the rights of marriage (and a generous assumption that those who vote against this bill will do so after serious, thoughtful consideration).
- E.S.
- Senator Debbie Regala (D-27) choked up while talking about her interracial marriage.
7:35 p.m. Senator Debbie Regala (D-27) chokes up while talking about how her marriage took place only a few years after interracial marriage was legalized—and says that the union of her and her husband is proof that marriage hasn't always been a static institution, and can be changed to become more inclusive. And Seantor Kevin Ranker (D-40) begins his speech with this: "As the son of a gay man..." I am learning a lot about the ways in which our legislature actually does reflect life as it's lived in Washington. Scattered applause after his speech.
7:40 p.m. Senator James Hargrove (D-24), one of two Democrats who will be voting against the bill, chokes up trying to explain how we're all sinners, and how he doesn't judge anyone, and how he has the utmost respect for Ed Murray, but he's voting no.
7:43 p.m. Senator Cheryl Pflug (R-5) is giving one of the best speeches of the night so far—about the Bill of Rights, about the gradual extension of rights to minority groups over the history of this country, about how "tradition" is "kind, often, to the majority, but not so kind to the minority." She concludes: "It is part of our struggle to ensure that everybody... should have the right to enjoy those personal freedoms we hold dear."
7:47 p.m. Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44), noting that this isn't a political winner in his district, says that he's voting yes because of his experience serving aside gays and lesbians in the U.S. military: "How can I look them in the eye, Mr. President, if I vote no on this bill?"
7:49 p.m. Senator Steve Litzow (R-41), the other Republican who's already promised to vote yes, gives a very short speech that frames the extension of marriage to gays and lesbians as a conservative value.
7:53 p.m. Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-36) knocks down some of the arguments against gay marriage, noting that she and her husband don't have kids but they're allowed to stay married. Also, she says, she still can't figure out how same sex marriages could hurt her marriage. "How would it possibly affect me?" she asks.
7:56 p.m. Debate closed. Vote is happening now. Senator Andy Hill (R-45), undecided until now, votes in favor. Same with Senator Joe Fain (R-47).
7:58 p.m. "Mr. President, 28 yeas, 21 nays." (That's 24 Democrats and 4 Republicans voting yea, and 3 Democrats and 18 Republicans voting nay.) THE BILL PASSES. It now goes on to the state house, where it's assured passage, and then to the governor's desk, where it's assured her signature.
- E.S.
- Applause and cheers from the gallery as soon as the bill passed.
8:13 p.m. Governor Gregoire, in a statement, says:
Tonight the Washington State Senate stood up for what is right and told all families in our state that they are equal and that the state cannot be in the business of discrimination. I believe that this decision should be made by our state Legislature, and I’m proud our elected leaders recognized that responsibility.
Tonight we saw the best of Washington and our leaders. They were respectful and they were kind. I thank Sen. Ed Murray for his leadership.
This vote was courageous and was only possible with bipartisan support. That support shows Washington’s commitment to equality. Fair-minded and responsible leaders crafted a bill that protects religious freedoms while ensuring equal rights. I commend our state Senators who acknowledged tonight that separate but equal is not equal.
Tonight our families are better for this vote. Our kids have a brighter future for this bill. And our state is better for this bill. I encourage the House to approve this bill and get it to my desk for my signature. I look forward to the day when all Washington citizens have equal opportunity to marry the person they love.”
1
I have crossed everything I can possibly cross... It is incredibly difficlutl to type, actually...
4
Hnnngggggh! I want a live feed! Even if it is just hours of interminable amendments and procedural mumbling!
5
It's nice that hatfield came around, but we was pretty dicky about it. Sorry for wasting your valuable time with civil rights...
11
I am. It's driving me crazy that it won't work. Anyone have a suggestion for an alternate live stream?
14
That server can't be found probably because it ran away and hid! Either that or it blew into a million pieces from all the requests for the stream.
16
I hear Baconcat is in the gallery. I'm tempted to just call him and have him hold up his phone. It'd be a better feed than this shit on TVW.
17
Was working just fine and then a fuse blew (i have a space heater running)! Just tried to log back onto the live stream and am getting nothing. I'm guessing their servers are overloaded with too many people trying to watch?
18
live stream works fine for me. what is this crap about judges and commissioners refusing to perform marriages based on religious beliefs?
19
Is it just me, or does the guy who says "...Last line..." sound a bit like Ben Stein saying "...Beuler...Beuler..."?
29
@25 - Yes, actually. The law cannot dictate religious mumbo-jumbo: clergy of any religion are perfectly free to wave their hands and mumble incantations over whoever they chose, or not. That has absolutely no bearing on legal, civil marriage.
30
If Hatfield doesn't want to legislate, he ought to quit his job. Make the bigots pay for their petition gatherers.
32
@25
A priest can refuse to marry a couple for any reason. Common reasons include one party being divorced, one party being Protestant and refusing to promise to raise the children in the Catholic church, or the couple wanting go be married without first receiving church approved marital instruction.
A priest can refuse to marry a couple for any reason. Common reasons include one party being divorced, one party being Protestant and refusing to promise to raise the children in the Catholic church, or the couple wanting go be married without first receiving church approved marital instruction.
34
@27 - I have been misinformed! If I called you, though, would you at least make senate sounds so I can feel like I'm there?
39
Sadly, the feed is dead for me, too. I'll have to settle for obsessively refreshing this page for new liveblog updates.
40
It's good that I'm across the street from the senate. I'd be calling Don Benton an asshole to his face right now.
42
Just tried same link as @37 again and no dice. I think it's random whether you catch an open slot or not.
Watch while you wait: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inSuqXWcq…
Sing along (lyrics): http://www.lyricszoo.com/anthony-newley/…
Watch while you wait: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inSuqXWcq…
Sing along (lyrics): http://www.lyricszoo.com/anthony-newley/…
54
Regala is gonna make me cryyyyyyyy.
@41 Right? I thought the same thing when they were talking about voting on civil rights.
@41 Right? I thought the same thing when they were talking about voting on civil rights.
56
thank FSM for thestranger liveblogging, am at work and the IE version is too old to stream, sounds like its not working anyway
58
@52 The referendum amendment? To appease the republicans in his district.
Sen. Ranker is crushing it right now.
Sen. Ranker is crushing it right now.
62
@ 52,
Possibly a decision of a career politician trying to make everyone happy?
Still you have to wonder about the ethics and morality of someone who chooses to put the rights of a minority up for a vote.
Possibly a decision of a career politician trying to make everyone happy?
Still you have to wonder about the ethics and morality of someone who chooses to put the rights of a minority up for a vote.
63
This is getting really ridiculous, people across the country are able to stream and we can't access the server in Washington?!?!?
64
TVW said that their servers are simply maxed out and they can't add more capacity. If you have a stream going, you're fine but if you get disconnected for any reason, you won't be able to reconnect.
Please LIVEBLOG more frequently! Even if just in the comments. WTF IS HAPPENING?
Please LIVEBLOG more frequently! Even if just in the comments. WTF IS HAPPENING?
65
Yes...There are probably thousands of frustrated people out here wishing we could see this...so blog more frequently, please.
66
You voted against marriage equality because of a fear of god? Do we need any more proof that religion is fucked? YOU VOTED AGAINST A BILL IN A SECULAR GOVERNMENT BECAUSE YOU ARE AFRAID OF GOD. How is that not government endorsement of religion?
70
Somebody needs to start figuring out what building/road/park/bridge/tunnel we're going to put Ed Murray's name on... Fuckin-a, let's put his name on everything like they did Reagan's.
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@ 66 The problem is with the people who are religious, I am sure there are religious people voting yes.
74
Eli, can you fire up the CoverItLive thingy so people who are getting the stream can comment in real time?
80
When and where can I buy Ed Murray a drink? Surely Capitol Hill residents will organize a celebratory thank you for our state senator!
90
Happy to have a working feed again (and for the outcome), but it'd be nice, too if we could hear how each senator is voting. I assume we'll have an update shortly on those three undecideds?
103
Unfortunate verbiage for the little TVW intro blurb..."TVW WATCH LEARN CONNECT!" I certainly could not connect, watch or learn with the dead feed.
106
@ 101, back to the house. I assume from the coverage that its passage is assured there, then on to Gregoire's desk for signing.
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@98 Me too. when they burst into applause I started laughing for joy and then started sobbing. Oops!
113
Paull Shin is Morman. He had to vote against it. Why he didn't just come out and say it originally is the mystery.
115
yea!! I just love it when my rights get voted on....on a positive note in this case. I'm so privileged. My tax payments are soooooooooo worth it.
117
Fabulous!!!! Congratulations to all. I fear this day will be a long time coming in Ohio, but I will work toward it for as long as I can stand to be here.
118
This just made my year! Now to finish the legislative process and get on to the big fight. It would be a fucking miracle if the biggots could not get enough signatures to get it on the ballot. But I hate how ugly the rhetoric is going to get before November.
124
::raises a glass - ice water only - in celebration::
Here[s to much better days ahead. And staying strong and determined.
Here[s to much better days ahead. And staying strong and determined.
125
I know there's likely a long, nasty slog ahead, but still, big party at our house tonight. Many, many thanks to Ed Murray, Jamie Pedersen and everyone else who has consistently, patiently, pursued this for so many years. FUCKING YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's unbelievable to me that my husband and I went to Olympia in 2007 to get our domestic partnership papers, and here we are on the verge of marriage. We're both very fucking verklempt tonight.
128
I remember nine years ago when we were fighting with Hands Off Washington to keep just the barest rights to exist alive. I remember Ellen Craswell. I can't believe this is actually happening in my state. I am so proud and happy.
This is a huge victory for the straight people of Washington too, because now we live with our neighbors as equals. God damn. God damn. This is amazing.
This is a huge victory for the straight people of Washington too, because now we live with our neighbors as equals. God damn. God damn. This is amazing.
132
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
133
I think I'm finally going to settle down and find a nice foreclosed house to gay marry.
But seriously folks, congratulations to everyone who worked so hard and waited so long for this day to come.
But seriously folks, congratulations to everyone who worked so hard and waited so long for this day to come.
137
Remember when Lon Mabon of the Oregon Citizens Alliance tried to pass Initiative 608, barring sexual orientation as grounds for civil rights protection? Remember 610, submitted the same year, which would have barred gay adoption, or even custody after divorce? Remember how close those fights were? Remember Hands Off Washington, formed in response? Remember Ellen Craswell announcing that gays typically live 30 years less than straight people at her first press conference after winning the nomination as Republican candidate for governor? Remember the failure of 677, which would have given anti-discrimination protection, and how bitter that was? Remember the idiotic state Supreme Court decision in 2006 that said same-sex couples don't have rights? Remember how many times we've lost, and lost, and lost again? When even the victories were narrow and limited?
This is not narrow. This is not limited. This is FOR THE WIN, dammit. We haven't won everywhere but we have won in our home, today. Beautiful, just beautiful.
This is not narrow. This is not limited. This is FOR THE WIN, dammit. We haven't won everywhere but we have won in our home, today. Beautiful, just beautiful.
141
God bless you Mrs. Baconcat and Mr. Baconcat and Catalina and the Colonel and Riz and Quincent and Womyn2me and MacCrocodile and Dan and Terry and Keith and Cori and God bless you Mr. Ed Murray and the great state of Washington. Whew!
142
I'm super excited, but we (the BF and I) won't be getting legally hitched for a while yet... my financial aid package would be frakked. Equality sucks.
143
Really proud of Washington.
Really proud of Gregoire.
Amazed by and totally proud of Ed Murray!
Thank you to all who voted for true equality.
Really proud of Washington.
Really proud of Gregoire.
Amazed by and totally proud of Ed Murray!
Thank you to all who voted for true equality.
144
I had the privilege of spending time with Cal Anderson, bless that man, and I can only imagine he's very, very happy wherever he is.
145
Indeed there is something profoundly beautiful and inspiring when two people build a life together in the face of bigotry and injustice. I tip my hat to you all. My marriage feels stronger already. Congratulations!!
147
Woot!!!
Just got back from a gay wedding in Palm Springs. Both grooms cried during their vows. Something about seeing two grown men crying overwhelmed me and I started crying, too, which was a first for me, and a wonderful reminder of what the institution of marriage is really about.
Congrats to everyone!
Just got back from a gay wedding in Palm Springs. Both grooms cried during their vows. Something about seeing two grown men crying overwhelmed me and I started crying, too, which was a first for me, and a wonderful reminder of what the institution of marriage is really about.
Congrats to everyone!
148
Cheers, Washington!
As someone who lives in Portland — where we have a constitutional amendment barring marriage equality — I'm a bit envious. But if you need me to help out fighting the inevitable referendum by driving across the river and giving the stink-eye to petition signature gatherers in Vancouver, give me a call!
As someone who lives in Portland — where we have a constitutional amendment barring marriage equality — I'm a bit envious. But if you need me to help out fighting the inevitable referendum by driving across the river and giving the stink-eye to petition signature gatherers in Vancouver, give me a call!
149
So...just want the numbers straight:
We are #7 for MARRIAGE EQUALITY in USA (#8 if u include DofColumbia)
In terms of elected legislatures....we are #3 right? Not court-decided?
For women getting the vote we were #5 no?
We are #7 for MARRIAGE EQUALITY in USA (#8 if u include DofColumbia)
In terms of elected legislatures....we are #3 right? Not court-decided?
For women getting the vote we were #5 no?
150
Been having technical problems posting, earlier. But hooray WA state! I lift a glass of ice wine towards your general direction.
Dan & Terry = that much closer to being HIA..or HIW, at any rate.
Hopefully this won't come to referendum, & if it does, hope the vote comes down on the side of fairness & equality.
Dan & Terry = that much closer to being HIA..or HIW, at any rate.
Hopefully this won't come to referendum, & if it does, hope the vote comes down on the side of fairness & equality.
153
@ 148,
I haven't given up on our correcting that shameful change to our constitution. Keep your chin up, john t. Come fight alongside me. The arc of justice is bending.
I haven't given up on our correcting that shameful change to our constitution. Keep your chin up, john t. Come fight alongside me. The arc of justice is bending.
156
Hurray, welcome to being able to make the same horrible, horrible mistake us straight people take for granted!
I kid, congrats, and yay for my latest home state!
I kid, congrats, and yay for my latest home state!
158
Yardley of the New York Times put up a nice piece, which I copy here in full, since, fuck the firewall. Nice quote from Litzow's speech in favor at the end: if only the bill could guarantee every marriage would be happy, too...
More...
SEATTLE — Washington appeared almost certain to become the seventh state to allow same-sex marriage after the State Senate voted late Wednesday for a measure that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry beginning this summer.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/us/was…
Supporters had considered the Senate to be the more challenging chamber in which to pass the bill, but it was approved easily, by a vote of 28 to 21, after less than 90 minutes of debate. The measure now moves to the House, where it has wide support and could be voted on as soon as next week. Gov. Christine Gregoire has urged the bill’s approval. The governor is a Democrat, and both legislative chambers are controlled by Democrats.
“Regardless of how you vote on this bill, an invitation will be in the mail,” Senator Ed Murray of Seattle, the prime sponsor in the Senate, said in his final remarks before the vote. Mr. Murray, who is gay, has noted many times publicly that he and his longtime partner hope to marry in their home state.
The measure, echoing one passed in New York last June, includes language assuring religious groups that they would not be required to marry same-sex couples or allow them to marry in their facilities. Washington would join New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa as states where same-sex couples can marry. Washington, D.C., also allows same-sex marriage.
Washington has steadily expanded rights for gay and lesbian couples since 2006, when it approved domestic partnerships. In 2009, it passed a so-called everything-but-marriage bill, which was challenged in a public referendum and upheld by voters, 53 to 47. Opponents of the marriage bill say they will challenge it in a referendum this fall. The Roman Catholic Church is among the opponents.
The floor debate late Wednesday was civil and relatively succinct.
Before the final vote, senators rejected an amendment to put the matter before voters in a referendum. Some people who later supported the bill also supported putting it up for a referendum. One of the leading opponents, Senator Dan Swecker, a Republican, said he worried that approving same-sex marriage would “create a hostile environment for those of us who believe in traditional marriage.”
A few Republicans joined Democrats in support of the bill. Speaking in favor, Senator Steve Litzow, a Republican of Mercer Island, noted the many benefits of marriage but also its challenges. “We cannot guarantee the outcome of that pursuit,” he said. “The legislation’s good, but it’s not that good.”
160
Oh, and congratulations to all of you who suddenly have weddings to plan. While I cannot attend all of them, I wish you the best.
161
Congrats on the win, LGBTs!
Glad Senator Joe Fain from my 47th District could push it over the top!
Glad Senator Joe Fain from my 47th District could push it over the top!
164
@ Matty @ 162: Google knows all!
"Two of the previously undecided Republicans, Sens. Joe Fain of Auburn and Andy Hill of Redmond voted in support of the measure Wednesday, as did two Republican colleagues, Sens. Steve Litzow of Mercer Island and Cheryl Pflug of Maple Valley."
Those folks are likely to need some serious campaign support, IMO. Also, 3 Democrats voted to oppose:
"The three Democrats who voted in opposition were Sens. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam, Tim Sheldon of Potlatch and Paull Shin of Edmonds."
Now you have names handy.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-5737…
"Two of the previously undecided Republicans, Sens. Joe Fain of Auburn and Andy Hill of Redmond voted in support of the measure Wednesday, as did two Republican colleagues, Sens. Steve Litzow of Mercer Island and Cheryl Pflug of Maple Valley."
Those folks are likely to need some serious campaign support, IMO. Also, 3 Democrats voted to oppose:
"The three Democrats who voted in opposition were Sens. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam, Tim Sheldon of Potlatch and Paull Shin of Edmonds."
Now you have names handy.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-5737…
165
Yay! I am happy for my friends and acquaintances who will be able to marry the person they love.
Go WA State!
(And suck it, Utah)
Go WA State!
(And suck it, Utah)
166
..even though it's 3 hours later in her time zone i think i'm going to call my mom.. i want to hear her smile
171
Thank you, what really restores my faith in humanity is having a few republicans standing up for this. I mean dam. They have nothing to gain. Then there are the dems who voted against it, what do they have to lose? Honestly nothing, what are people going to do about that? Vote in a republican against it? I'm guessing those republicans don't want too much attention drawn towards what they did, but maybe some cash money wouldn't hurt? They have my admiration if that is worth anything.
172
Also, a thank you to the 4 Republican lawmakers who voted for this - it was the human thing to do. Given the right-wing tilt of the GOP party these days, I'm sure this wasn't easy for them, and they will probably face the wrath of some of their religious extremist constituents and their out-of-state hate groups. I wish them well in regards to this decision.
175
What the FUCK, Hatfield? You're still a small-town, small-minded, lying sack of shit do-nothing, know-nothing who would rather vote on stupid shit like what the state amphibian should be rather than do ANYTHING of ANY merit!!! Pray? You prayed? The only time you pray is when you've been out partying too hard and you're praying at the porcelain altar! What a fucking twat!
176
Oh, and, YAY!!!!! IT PASSED! I'm still disappointed so many voted nay, though. Time to vote them out?
177
Glad to see that 28 folks decided to be on the right side of history. What a great day to be a Washingtonian!
179
@172, agreed, although these four Republicans are all in Western Washington, where their seats could flip Dem far more easily than Eastern WA. So they made the right choice as a way to also *keep* their seats, in my opinion.
180
I love how pro equality this vote was. Amazing.
Thank you Washington State. I'm glad you're my home.
Thank you Washington State. I'm glad you're my home.
182
A University of Washington poll conducted last October shows that 55% of Washingtonians would uphold marriage equality if it were put up to a public vote, so there is hope that it will be if it comes to that. It would be the first time for any state.
186
GO WASHINGTON STATE!!!!!!!!!!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU FOR TAKING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STEP TOWARDS PROGRESS!!
187
I didn't get to follow this in real time because I had to work, so it was already all over before I could see any news tonight. Since getting home, I've been reading link after link with tears in my eyes. I'm so happy that Washington is finally taking this step.
It's a bit bittersweet because my own marriage fell apart last year. But I still believe in love and marriage and I am thrilled that so many more Washingtonians will now be able to marry the ones they love. I can't wait for all the happy wedding pictures. :)
It's a bit bittersweet because my own marriage fell apart last year. But I still believe in love and marriage and I am thrilled that so many more Washingtonians will now be able to marry the ones they love. I can't wait for all the happy wedding pictures. :)
189
We need to give some money to the Rs who voted yes when they are up for re-election. I know, I know, it hurts to give to Rs. But they did it in New York and they deserve our thank you. And, you can shock your friends 20 years from now by saying that, once in your life, you gave $$$ to a Republican.
191
This is the time and this is the time and this is the time for living. (A little celebratory music.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL462vCnk…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL462vCnk…
193
Congratulations, Washington. Nice to know there are some rational, intelligent humans in this country. It may be another 30 years before it happens here in Georgia.
194
@ 189, examine their voting records. It's nice that they voted the right way this time, but don't be a single-issue voter. If they still want to fuck over the environment and give the store away to big business, don't support them.
195
If you would have told me this vote would have passed ten years ago, I would have called you crazy. I'm glad past me was wrong.
199
Congrats, Washington!
Marriage equality from sea to shining sea!
Now we just have to work on that big bit in the middle...
(By the way, does anyone know what's going on with the California case?)
Marriage equality from sea to shining sea!
Now we just have to work on that big bit in the middle...
(By the way, does anyone know what's going on with the California case?)
201
Meanwhile, Ken Hutcherson, Seattleblues, Lovechild, etc. All file for divorce realizing that their marriages don't mean anything if they can't stop gay people from getting married. Their straights only country club is being integrated.
202
@45 "Hatfield's referendum amendment is dead, prepare for swarms of clipboard-bearing a-holes."
Speaking of which, is there any reason I can't write "Fuck you, bigots!" in red pen on any of these soon to be filed initiative sheets someone presents to me?
Speaking of which, is there any reason I can't write "Fuck you, bigots!" in red pen on any of these soon to be filed initiative sheets someone presents to me?
203
@201 - And now that Ken Hutcherson is single, I can finally gay marry him! Good work, everybody. Thanks for doing this for me.
205
YYAAAAAYYY!!! What a historic day for Washington, and for Equality and Freedom in General!!
@137 - Thank you Fnarf for reminding us of how far we've come, and what hurdles we've cleared along the way.
THIS IS WHAT EQUALITY LOOKS LIKE!
@137 - Thank you Fnarf for reminding us of how far we've come, and what hurdles we've cleared along the way.
THIS IS WHAT EQUALITY LOOKS LIKE!
206
I'm going to send a thank-you letter to my senator, Joe Fain. I don't know if my letter to him asking him to vote for the bill ever got to him, or if it had any effect at all, but something did, and he helped make history today.
207
Fucking AWESOME!!! I'm so glad I politely harassed those previous 6 undecided... I sent the ones that changes their minds thank you notes as well.
Send the legislator thank you notes!!!
Send the legislator thank you notes!!!
208
@199, Re California: I think the most recent significant activity was that last November, the California Supreme Court ruled that the Prop 8 sponsors do have the right to defend the initiative, clearing the way for the case to be heard by the Ninth Circuit.
Earlier today, actually a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit said the tapes from the trial should not be made public because Judge Walker promised the Prop 8 defenders that they would be used for internal court purposes only.
Sending my hearty congratulations to everyone on Slog for a magnificent victory in Washington!
Earlier today, actually a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit said the tapes from the trial should not be made public because Judge Walker promised the Prop 8 defenders that they would be used for internal court purposes only.
Sending my hearty congratulations to everyone on Slog for a magnificent victory in Washington!
209
@199 & 208: news today from the Prop 8 front--
http://tinyurl.com/7mg74um
Not great, but not terrible either.
http://tinyurl.com/7mg74um
Not great, but not terrible either.
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