Why, it’s Ken Schramm himself! Today he’s got an opinion piece chiding senator Ed Murray for backing domestic partnerships while failing to push gay marriage.

79ea/1233277493-schrammie.jpgI can appreciate Murray’s cautionary step-by-step attitude, but believe he underestimates the momentum that’s on his side.

Over the past few years the state legislature has shown its willingness to support homosexual rights.

Why not take the shot.

By all means, continue with the measure that circuitously deals with domestic partnership rights, but at the same time give lawmakers the opportunity to cross the finish line with a gay marriage law.

Recap: Schramm wished—as of 11:50 a.m. today—that Murray would introduce a bill to grant gay-marriage rights. Well, presto, Murray already introduced that bill: yesterday!

In fact, Murray has been introducing bills like this since 1997. “I introduced the first marriage-equality bill in the nation, as far as we can tell,” says Murray. “The legislature certainly could [pass the full marriage-equality bill], but my sense is that the votes are not there,” he says. “Most of my colleagues have not had a constituent meet with them and ask for marriage equality.” He adds, “We not only want to win legislation but be able to sustain this when the far right runs an initiative or referendum [to challenge it].”

PS to Schramm—There’s a nifty feature on the legislature’s website that allows you to look up all the bills a legislator has introduced.

12 replies on “And the Schrammie Goes To…”

  1. Straight guy with a public voice really our front on the issue – what is the harm in that?

    How very refreshing, dear Ken.

    But I agree with Ed, there is still work to be done …

  3. I’m sick and tired of gays begging to be given marriage rights.

    Whatever happened to demanding a right?

    Where is the gay Boston Tea Party?

    If I were gay (I’m not) I would be blockcading the marriage bureau and preventing anyone from getting a marriage license until the right was granted.

    Gays, where’s your lunch counter?

    Where’s your Selma?

    You need to Act Up!

  4. It’s also missing the point that LGBT rights seem to be trickling through in stages, and pushing for marriage rights now-or-nothing results in nothing, whereas pushing for marriage-equivalence in domestic partnerships now is laying the foundation for getting the word “marriage” in the future, too. So, Ken doesn’t seem to get the strategy.

    BUT kudos to him on being so gay-friendly all the same. I appreciate what he’s doing.

  5. Ken’s right.

    But the reality is you need to campaign outside your comfort zone if you want it to happen.

    And … I haven’t seen that happen.

  6. But carry this away with you: Even if it can’t pass now, go down to Olympia if you have a free day, and talk with whoever your reps and senator is. I’ve been down on a different issue once this session, and twice last session. And each legislator will look you in the face and say that the most powerful statement for them is to have a constituent get their ass down to Olympia and tell them, or their aide, what they support or oppose. It’s very easy and it’s kinda pretty in that building–make it an day trip. Play in Olympia. I’m in Murray’s district and he said the more people show up, the more they have to fight with. So it gives support to those already on your side, but it also gives info to those who are not. Live in less liberal districts? also get down there. They do pay attention to voters who make the effort (not many do).It might not help this year–but it the effect could be accumlative. Just sayin’..

    Oh, and you don’t have to be an expert on anything. That’s their job. Just tell them what you believe and give them your personal take on it. Compelling stories are good.

  9. @3 Show us how it’s done. You and your straight buddies – barricade the marriage bureau for equality. You don’t have to be gay to act up for civil rights. Or are you just too comfy sitting on your fat ass and armchair quarterbacking to stand behind your bravado?

  10. @6 you are so right. showing up is key. if you can’t get to olympia, then call AND write both your reps and senator. let them know you want marriage but support the expansion bill as insurance. let them know you’ve got their back next election if they face opposition from a hater candidate. if they don’t support equality, ask them to explain their reasoning and report that info back to equal rights washington.

  11. @9:

    Ok, how about this: Instead of barricading it, send in a swarm of gay couples who demand a marriage license. Then, have video cams ready (live if possible) showing them getting rejected.

    At the same time, ask all straight couples who are sympathetic to put a one year hold on their marriage in sympathy with the gay plight.

    Call a nationwide strike on marriage until the system capitulates.

    If you did this and asked for help, a phalanx of straight and other gay people would protect protesters.

  12. @11: “send in a swarm of gay couples who demand a marriage license. Then, have video cams ready (live if possible) showing them getting rejected.”

    We’re calling you from the future, how are things back there in 2004?

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