The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund tonight congratulated openly gay State Sen. Edward Murray and his colleagues in the Washington State Senate on the passage of Senate Bill 6239, which would end marriage discrimination in the state. The bill now moves to the Washington House of Representatives, where five openly gay and lesbian lawmakers will ask their colleagues to follow the Senate and vote to give them the right to marry. Gov. Christine Gregoire has vowed to sign the bill.
“Tonight’s vote is a victory for fairness in Washington, and for Senator Ed Murray, who has worked so hard for so long to make life better for LGBT Washingtonians,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund. “When this bill is finally signed into law, Ed and Michael, his partner of 20 years, will finally have realized the equality under state law Ed has fought for since he was first elected to the legislature in 1995. The Victory Fund is proud to support all six openly LGBT members of the Washington State Legislature, and we offer our deepest congratulations and thanks to Ed and to everyone in the Washington United for Marriage coalition that made tonight’s vote possible,” said Wolfe.
In the House, openly gay and lesbian lawmakers who are leading efforts to pass the measure include State Reps. Jamie Pedersen, Laurie Jinkins, Marko Liias, James Moeller, and David Upthegrove.
“Ending marriage discrimination in Washington will take the courage of many individuals, groups and allies, but we are especially proud of the openly gay and lesbian lawmakers whose honesty and example helped inspire their colleagues to support this bill. From the late Sen. Cal Anderson to the six who serve today, all have educated their colleagues, introduced their partners, authored legislation and spoke passionately about their own lives on the floors of the State House and Senate, and that has made a tremendous difference,” said Wolfe.
Photo: Sen. Ed Murray and his partner, Michael Shiosaki, testifying in favor of SB 6239. (Washington Senate Photo Services / Northwest News Network)
