Washington State House passes equal marriage 55-43

[grantcart]

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-washington-passes-marriage-equality/politics/2012/02/08/34442



Just moments ago, the Washington State House passed a same-sex marriage equality bill 55-43. The bill was debated for two hours, and Republicans attempted to attach several anti-gay or hurdle amendments, but those failed, as they did last week when the Washington State Senate passed the bill. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, who initiated the marriage bills, will sign it into law.

Interestingly, no one mentioned yesterday’s Prop 8 decision, which could offer support for their bill.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D), who chaired the judiciary committee that brought the bill to the full House floor, delivered and eloquent speech urging passage of the bill.

Overall, opponents of the marriage equality bill spoke vehemently about religion, God, the Bible, Leviticus, and the needs of the economy, completely misunderstanding what the bill was about.

Opponent after opponent of marriage equality relied on religion to express their views, many claimed they “do not judge,” that they “love everyone,” and yet used religion to vote against marriage equality. Unsurprisingly, all the lawmakers thought all Christians opposed marriage equality, and thought all people were Christians. It was not only offensive but inappropriate

[varelse]

1. Good news!

Another step in the right direction.

[Skwid]

2. TERRIFIC! One more on the right...er, correct side!

[Ken Burch]

3. "the needs of the economy"?

UH...ssm would put people out of work?

[Ken Burch]

4. How soon does the Senate take this up?

According to The Stranger, the main alternative paper in Seattle, there are enough votes in the Senate right now for passage.

[Tx4obama]

5. The Senate passed it a week or so ago. Now on to the Governor to sign, I believe n/t

[LadyHawkAZ]

6. It's already passed the Senate

It goes to the Governor now, who will sign it.

[regnaD kciN]

7. They already passed it last week...

...so there's nothing left but the signing ceremony.

[Ken Burch]

11. Great. Glad to hear that.

n/t.

[obamanut2012]

8. Yay!!!

[Ruby the Liberal]

9. Excellent news!

[LostinRed]

10. Wonderful!

Another State that won't have to hang it's head in shame.

[Ken Burch]

12. Somewhere, Cal Anderson is smiling tonight.

n/t.

[christx30]

20. ...And somewhere Newt Gingrich is

kicking a puppy.

[William769]

13. Another one down several more to go!

[cal04]

14. Gov. Gregoire's tweet. Thank You. Next stop, my desk

Thank you to the Washington State House--a civil, respectful debate on marriage equality. And a 55-43 vote! Next stop, my desk!

https://twitter.com/GovGregoire

[bread_and_roses]

15. good to hear some good news (n/t)

[uppityperson]

16. k&r,about time.

[thucythucy]

17. Coming right after

the court decision of Prop 8, this is indeed terrific news!

[krispos42]

18. Well, there goes my opposite-sex marriage

This is such a powerful blow to opposite-sex marriage that it traveled in time 7 years, in space 1,500 miles, and made my (ex) wife sleep with a guy named "Mike".

[Great Caesars Ghost]

19. sounds good to me

[cate94]

21. Awesome!!

[morningfog]

22. State by state until it turns into a landslide.

This is a fight for rights that we are winning and will ultimately prevail. I just hope that it is sooner rather than later.

Good week for marriage equality!