While marriage equality won’t be a possibility for Oregon this year, it looks like same sex marriage may soon be legal in Washington. This afternoon, Democrats announced they had the 25 votes needed to pass a marriage equality bill in the state senate. Washington’s house already has the votes lined up and Governor Christine Gregoire recently came out in favor of marriage equality in the state.

The final vote on the matter comes from Democrat Margaret Haugen. Her statement on why she’s voting for marriage equality is thoughtful and, hopefully, a good example of how the mainstream needle is shifting in favor of full rights of LGBT folks:

“To some degree, this is generational. Years ago I took exception to my parents’ beliefs on certain social issues, and today my children take exception to some of mine. Times change, even if it makes us uncomfortable. I think we should all be uncomfortable sometime.

I have very strong Christian beliefs, and personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs.

I happen to be the 25th [vote] because I insisted on taking this much time to hear from my constituents and to sort it out for myself, to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy.”

Amen to that.

Sarah Shay Mirk reported on transportation, sex and gender issues, and politics at the Mercury from 2008-2013. They have gone on to make many things, including countless comics and several books.

4 replies on “Gay Marriage Lines Up Votes to Pass in Washington!”

  2. All it took was her ignoring her religious compulsion to discriminate against gay people. That is to say, the only thing keeping her from making an ethically and morally sound vote was her religious belief.

    Imagine if she didn’t hold this archaic belief! Oh the ethical things she might well do and not for some foolish promise of heaven above, but for the betterment of our lot, right here on earth!

  4. This is important legislation that shouldn’t wait. Good for WA. There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing.

    On the other hand, this is going to rile up the Republican base, in a borderline swing state, something fierce. Repubs seem pretty indifferent about whoever gets the nomination. Hopefully this won’t change that.

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