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Lambda Legal Thanks Washington Gov. Gregoire for Signing Marriage Equality Bill

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“And Washington makes seven”
February 13, 2012

"We know the battle is not over and pledge to stand with our coalition partners to protect this historic legislation."

(Olympia, WA, February 13, 2012) -- As expected, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed the marriage equality bill passed last week by the Washington state legislature, adding Washington to the growing number of states where same-sex couples may marry.

Lambda Legal National Marriage Project Director Camilla Taylor issued the following statement after today's signing ceremony in Olympia:

"Governor Christine Gregoire today signed a historic measure into law that ends the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage in Washington. Gov. Gregoire has been a champion of marriage equality this year, and we thank her for her leadership and the many brave members of the state legislature who voted for this bill. We also thank Washington United for Marriage, the coalition of organizations, congregations, unions, and business associations that has worked tirelessly to secure civil marriage for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples.

“The fight for marriage equality in Washington marches on. Before today, six states allowed same-sex couples to marry -- New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Iowa, as well as the District of Columbia -- and Washington makes seven. We also know the battle is not over and pledge to stand with our coalition partners to protect this historic legislation.”

Under Washington state law, the earliest same-sex couples will be able to get marriage licenses will be June 7, 2012. Marriage equality opponents are expected to launch a referendum effort to overturn the law, and if they secure enough signatures by June 6 to qualify for the ballot, implementation of the law will be delayed until after the vote. Today, Washington equality advocates celebrate dramatic progress not just in Washington, but nationwide. Marriage equality legislation is currently moving through the New Jersey and Maryland state legislatures, a marriage equality bill was introduced in Illinois, and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld a ruling declaring California's discriminatory Proposition 8 amendment unconstitutional, paving the way for the issuance of marriage licenses once again in that state.

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Contact Info

Press contact:  Tom Warnke: Email: twarnke@lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

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