Washington Gay Marriage: Governor Chris Gregoire Signs Bill Allowing Same-Sex Couples To Wed Into Law (VIDEO)

Washington became the seventh U.S. state to acknowledge same-sex marriage when Gov. Chris Gregoire signed voter-approved legislation into law today.

Though the law won't actually take effect until June 7, Gregoire's actions have already been praised by countless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates nationwide.

"I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal," she told the crowd, which included many gay rights activists. She also praised the day as one "that historians will mark as a milestone for equal rights."

Watch her full speech above.

Comments

[Bob Kellerman]

12:16 AM on 02/15/2012

The bad guys are ready with the petitions to reverse it

Everyone needs to tell all their neighbors, friends, and co-workers to refuse to sign

[Onemind916]

04:02 PM on 02/14/2012

Beautiful :)

[yakmeat]

02:11 AM on 02/14/2012

This is great news! :)

However, I have to wonder how likely this outcome would have been if Seattle was not part of Washington. Much of the Eastern portion of the state feels socially and politically a lot like Idaho, and Montana, and North Dakota...

Seattle is to Washington what Austin is to Texas, except that Seattle is big enough to actually swing the state Left politically.

[TotalTranquility]

11:55 PM on 02/13/2012

I found the video and all of this positively inspirational, informative, and emotional. Thank you :)

[JTyroler]

10:45 PM on 02/13/2012

Congratulations Washington state!

[Ioan Lightoller]

09:11 PM on 02/13/2012

Great to see this. My hat is off to Gov. Gregoire. I hope that one day all same-sex couples will be able to legally marry and to have their marriage accepted legally in all 50 states as well as federally.

[wilray]

08:54 PM on 02/13/2012

Have your big, fat, Gay wedding in Washington ... then stay here.

[joemondo]

11:43 PM on 02/13/2012

There's a reason Seattle is among the best places to live in the USA.

[AlceeArobin]

08:23 PM on 02/13/2012

Wish I lived in a state where the governor could so boldly endorse marriage equality, and be applauded for it no less. Congrats to Washington.

[wilray]

08:50 PM on 02/13/2012

It was forgone that Governor Gregoire would sign once it passed the houses of legislation. Governor Gregoire's decision was not based on political positioning as she has already said she would not seek another term. Also she is Catholic, but she said that she had to do what she knew was right regardless of her religious affiliation.

[Anniebody]

07:55 PM on 02/13/2012

We are going forward slowly but surely. My best to all my LGBT friends. This is another wonderful day.

[Kt Trbsch]

06:03 PM on 02/13/2012

What a proud day. I applaud the Governor and legislature for being on the right side of Marriage Equality. I hope their example is followed in states across the country.

[JSOhio]

05:58 PM on 02/13/2012

My good friends and their awesome kids!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RclFT71GmVc

[JSOhio]

05:52 PM on 02/13/2012

This amazing woman needs to run for president!!!

[David Andrew Clark]

07:18 AM on 02/15/2012

I would support a Gregoire presidency.

[wilray]

05:43 PM on 02/13/2012

Come up to the beautiful state of Washington. Happy Valentine's!

[jerryatthebeach]

05:35 PM on 02/13/2012

Lots of couples will be moving to Washington....

[ColumbiaPacific]

07:32 PM on 02/13/2012

and we Washingtonians will welcome them

[bluize]

08:25 PM on 02/13/2012

Proud to be a Washingtonian, arms wide open, welcome. It is a beautiful state, and even more so today.

[jerryatthebeach]

08:38 PM on 02/13/2012

The Northwest is like no other and marriage for all completes the package...

[MeRainyday]

04:58 PM on 02/13/2012

First state to repeal their own state DOMA! from 15 years ago.