Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyFebruary 8th, 2012
The Washington State House of Representatives has just passed the marriage bill 55-43. Now it goes to Governor Chris Gregoire for signature.
Anti-equality activists have until June 2 to gather 120,000 valid signatures. If they do so, the bill will go to the voters for confirmation or repeal in November. If they do not, the bill becomes law and gay couples in Washington will gain equal status.
But marriage equality is not without it’s difficulties. Now poor devoutly Catholic little ol’ lady wedding cake bakers will have to shoulder the burden of figuring out how to market to the gay community without their priest finding out.
UPDATE:
Three Democrats voted no and two Republicans supported equality.
Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-College Place, said that the bill was a matter of equality.
“Why in the world would we not allow those equal rights to those individuals who are truly committed to each other in life?” she asked. She noted that her daughter told her she was gay a few years ago.
“Nothing’s different,” she said. “She’s still a fabulous human being. And some day, by God, I want to throw a wedding for that kid.”
And that is the true face of equality: Mothers saying, “when are you going to settle down and get married?” and “but you’ve always loved fuchsia and it makes such lovely a bridesmaids color.”
Kidding aside, i love being able to report bipartisan support for equality. It may only be two or three or four in each vote, but it means that we are making strides into the hearts of the people and that our rights and equality are judged less on partisan divisive deal-making or deal-breaking and more by the promises offered in our constitution.
But God I long for the day when “and it got Republican support” will be seen as peculiar and obvious.
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TN
February 8th, 2012
How long does she have to sign it? She needs to stretch it out as long as possible. I asked you in the “open thread” for the day, but I guess you didn’t see it.
TN
February 8th, 2012
Actually, I guess that was Jim who wrote the other Daily Agenda. Maybe you can still answer me though, if you know.
Lindoro Almaviva
February 8th, 2012
How is the 9th oppinion on “voter approved” repeals affect this process?
PC
February 8th, 2012
TN, the governor has 5 business days (including Saturday) to sign the bill. It is most likely she will sign it early next week.
Stefan
February 8th, 2012
I know Walsh’s daughter and she is indeed fabulous!!!
She’s so lucky to have a mother like her.
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