Washington Gay Marriage: Maureen Walsh, Republican State Representative, Gives Passionate Speech In Favor Of Equality (VIDEO)

Between California's declaration of Proposition 8 as unconstitutional and Washington state lawmakers voting to approve gay marriage yesterday, it's been quite a momentous week for marriage equality advocates.

As a sort of sentimental reminder of that fact, an eloquent and emotional speech in favor of same-sex marriage, delivered by a Republican lawmaker in Washington state, is now making the blogosphere reminds.

"You know, I was married for 23 years to the love of my life and he died six years ago," Rep. Maureen Walsh says in the clip. "I think of all the wonderful years we had and the wonderful fringe benefits of having three beautiful children...and so I just think to myself: how could I deny anyone the right to have that incredible bond with another individual in life. To me it seems almost cruel."

Walsh, who tells the crowd she has a lesbian daughter, goes on to note: "She’s still a fabulous human being and she met someone she loves very much. And some day, by God, I want to throw a wedding for that kid. And someday I hope that’s what I can do. I hope she will not feel like a second-class citizen involved in something called a 'domestic partnership' which, frankly, sounds like a Mary Maids franchise to me."

Comments

[ElijahTruth]

01:37 PM on 02/12/2012

Maureen Walsh, as so many do not realize what they are saying, our Lord Jesus Christ could not let Sodom and any other nation/city allow homosexuality to dominate any culture, if He our Lord had not crushed homosexual movements in the past, aids would have set in centuries ago before prevention, before research, and there would have been a plague beyond all others in the past leaving earth void of us! It is so sad, He prophesy in the 28th Chapter of Deuteronomy has fell upon our generation in this Epic generation of His return! Amazingly He loves His gays/homosexual children knowing they are under attack by disease, but He loves those more dearly that do not endanger society as a whole!
For evidence of this being the sadest thing to look upon, this gay movement, go to the about page of the Adam and Eve seed gathering Ministry site and therein are images of the unclean bacterial spirits our Lord Jesus came and battled and pointed out to us was the cause of all unnatural acts! The Cure for homosexuality is now near, it is not normal it is not born in anyone, it is an infection we all have, yet it causes some to sin/do unnatural acts of harlotism or drunkenness, or yes gayness, and some have all the symptoms of sin/the infection! But it does now soon end. Also for more proofs/truths go to Adam and Eve in action blog spot

[K267]

03:15 PM on 02/12/2012

This is a parody, right?

[mbhanson86]

09:32 PM on 02/12/2012

His prophesy in 28 Deuteronomy....the first half of the chapter says "if you follow His laws all these good things will happen to and for you" then the 2nd half says "if you don't follow His laws all these bad things will happen to and for you". Is it really a prophesy to cover all options? There is no predictive element to it...

[Andrew Brittan]

12:44 AM on 02/12/2012

Why aren't all legislators like this woman. We can disagree on certain policies, but remember that we gays are PEOPLE, not issues.

[sbrez]

05:11 PM on 02/11/2012

whats this? humanity infiltrating the GOP?

[SFMuscular]

03:30 PM on 02/11/2012

I love this woman. She's from the Nancy Pelosi school of politics. Here in San Francisco people would hug her everywhere. I certainly want to plant a big smooch on her cheek.

[joetherealist]

02:10 PM on 02/11/2012

Part two:

After spending 15 years in San Fran I came to have a great appreciation of all people. I have become a staunch believer that all people should be equal and that one of the last groups of Americans who do not have equal rights is the gay community. It's not a right-left issue, not a gay-straight issue, not a black-white issue, it's simply an issue of equality and you have realized the heart of the issue through your daughter. For this I thank you and I applaud the legislature of the great State of Washington for taking this important step. You seem like a wonderful person, although I am certain we would have a lot to disagree about politically (which might make for a wonderful conversation). Best of luck to you and your family, and I hope that your daughter gets the dream wedding that she deserves.

Walsh's email page:

https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/MailForm.aspx?Chamber=H&District=16&Position=1

[joetherealist]

02:10 PM on 02/11/2012

I just sent the following message to Rep. Walsh and I would urge others to do the same (two parts):

Part one:

Representative Walsh - I saw your speech about your daughter yesterday and I have to say thank you. I am not from your district, not even from WA, and I am a very straight and happily married father of three (and a rather far left liberal). I had a similar reaction to gay people some years ago when I moved from a small central valley town in California to San Francisco. I wouldn't say that I was raised a homophobe but it was sort of implicit in our city that to be gay was wrong. When I got to SF there were "F" word people all around, even at work, and it was shocking to me at first. Then, to my surprise, these people turned out to be simply people, not the monsters that they are so often made out to be.

[Patrice Townsend]

04:43 AM on 02/11/2012

She is a remarkable woman and good friend of mine. She was a Democrat for many years. She was a legislative assistant to a Democrat (Dave Mastin. R 16th District Walla Walla WA) who changed party affiliation mid term from a Democrat to a Republican, she went with him. She is loved by both sides for her sensible, no nonsense approach to politics.

[kareemachan]

01:55 PM on 02/11/2012

Her speech was one of the few feel-good moments of last week. Amazing!

[Mindy Czech]

05:09 PM on 02/10/2012

It seems to me like most of the time, republicans are only pro-gay rights when a beloved family member comes out as gay and it directly effects them.

[brunettiii]

10:10 AM on 02/11/2012

Mindy has a point.... But it's still nice for a repub to voice...understanding and compassion.

[liveurownlife]

01:24 PM on 02/12/2012

Not only do we teach are children,our children teach us.

[EnnisDelMenace]

12:08 PM on 02/10/2012

Then why, Ms Walsh, do you remain a member of a political party that is explicitly anti-gay?

[NCguy123]

04:37 PM on 02/10/2012

To say Repubs are explicitly ant-gay in not true and its not fair. That is a very all or nothing, back vs white, oil and water position. I am a Democrat but living in the south I find myself surrounded by alot of Republicans, some of which are in my family. Chances are there is more than one reson why someone is affiliated with a particular party. My father is a registered Republican and has been all his life. He openly accepts my relationship with my partner as a equally relevant one. Whatever his motivations for staying a Republican I dont know but there are Democrats who are anti-gay. So it can't be said they are explicitly pro-gay.

I think she proves that there is something to be said for listening to another's position before judging them. It sounds like she is a Republican from an era where the extremist of the party havent railroaded public opinion. From a time when it was a little more grey and a little less black and white.

[SFMuscular]

03:29 PM on 02/11/2012

You answered your own rhetorical question; you referred to your other half as your "partner". I'm sorry, but I want a husband or a spouse. I'm not interested in having a "partner". I don't know a single heterosexual who refers to his or her spouse as a "partner". You're still a second class citizen, I'm afraid.

[RCnDC]

11:34 AM on 02/10/2012

She spoke as a God loving human being.. She didn't speak from a place within her version of religion, she didn't speak from the perspective of a legislator seeking votes, she didn't speak with the biases of being a mother of a straight or gay child....She spoke from the good will, the love, the wisdom and from within the capacity that God has given us all, and that's to love and be kind to one another....

Heart wrenching in this day and age of where we see such hate,prejudice and division from our so called leaders....

[Birdman 49]

10:50 AM on 02/10/2012

There are those out there though who don't speak of or support their gay child. This is really sad. Hell even Ragan did this. He did not want his family life out, he wouldn't even like to say the words AIDS when he was in office.

I was raised to accept everyone for who they are, never denie anyone because of what "they are". I am cool with everyone. I have been called racist before, that so pi**ed me off. On the blog, how does one defend their self against this? In person, I have told the accuser to prove it, couldn't they went away.

As far as this lady, she does seem to be talking as a mother, not a Rep of congress. Sorry but that is how it is coming across.

[sf1000000]

10:16 AM on 02/10/2012

She did not speak as a republican, she spoke as a Mother, whose Daughter is a lesbian.
Maybe more parents should come out and support their kids..and stop letting the bullies of the world beating up on their kids..

Isn't that what a parent does? Protect their children? When do you stop being a parent? I am 50 and I am still my Mom's little boy..and I am gay..that is what I do not understand..how can a parent any parent let some stranger regardless of who they are beat up on their kid..let them make that kid feel inferior regardless of the sexual orientation of the son or daughter.

If only more parents would stand up and speak OUT against the Phelps and Santorums of the world...to the parents out there that might read this...support your children and Join PFLAG..
and then Vote like your childs life and happiness depends on it because IT DOES.

[brunettiii]

10:12 AM on 02/11/2012

Sf!!! Right On!!!

[sf1000000]

04:58 PM on 02/11/2012

Thanks....

[sf1000000]

10:10 AM on 02/10/2012

Bravo to Rep Walsh...Bravo...if only more parents would stand up for their kids. Bravo. I know you will be able to toss your daughter a great wedding !! Congrads to your family !!

[pbrunda]

09:14 AM on 02/10/2012

HP,
Perhaps you could post in a timely manner. There aren't that many comments that it should take and hour + for one to appear. It would also be appropriate if the number of pending posts was accurate so that it is not assumed that ones comments have been lost in the void of cyberspace.

[ChaCubed]

04:24 AM on 02/10/2012

Holy Mackerel, even the Republicans in the State of Washington are sane and compassionate human beings???

What IS IT about that place?

[YouAreJokingRight]

12:24 PM on 02/10/2012

Maybe it's the coffee :)