Washington State Senate Approves Same Sex Marriage Measure 28-21; Bill 6239 Now Heads To House

A bill legalizing same sex marriage in Washington cleared its biggest legislative hurdle Wednesday night in a historic vote by the state Senate. The Seattle Times reports that lawmakers approved the bill 28 to 21. The measure now heads for the House where it is expected to easily pass as early as next week. The governor supports the bill as well. Washington would become the seventh state to legalize same sex marriage. The outcome, while expected, culminates more than decade of work by Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the prime sponsor of the bill, and the gay and lesbian community. "A lot of people are just stunned, particularly people my age and older, to think this day would actually come in our lifetime," Murray told reporters before the vote. There was plenty of debate in the Senate with supporters arguing same-sex marriage was a matter of equal rights, while opponents said the law would impinge religious freedom. The final vote came after supporters of the bill fended off a push to let the voters decide. An amendment to put the measure on the November ballot, sponsored by Senator Brian Hatfield (D-Raymond), was defeated 23-26. Hatfield, who ended up voting for the bill anyway, said a decision this big should be decided by voters. Gay marriage opponents have promised to challenge any same-sex marriage law at the ballot. A referendum cannot be filed until the governor signs the legislation. The bill is SB 6239.