Washington State Same Sex Marriage

In my seven-year tenure as governor of the great state of Washington, yesterday was one of the best. That's when I signed the bill providing marriage equality for all Washingtonians, and it is the day when our state said, quite simply, that love is love.

I am incredibly proud to congratulate Washington State Representative Pedersen and Senator Murray on the day Governor Gregoire signed the bill into law, and welcome them into the next stage of the fight for marriage equality.

I smell freedom across the I-5 bridge to Washington, and I want it. I deserve it. I am thrilled for my brothers and sisters in our neighboring state, but being able to see equality now just over the river has added insult to injury.

I have trouble committing to a decision about which doughnut to get, so not being able to wed has been a convenient cop-out when it comes to the ultimate commitment. But now that the tide is changing, what are commitmentphobes supposed to do? Get married?

If you want an illustration as to what is wrong with politics, look no further than the debate on marriage equality in the state of Washington and the views of Sen. Brian Hatfield (D). What Hatfield expresses as his reasons for concern illustrates the problem.

If you agree with Governor Chris Gregoire that "it is time" to legalize gay marriage and that "it's the right thing to do," there are several ways you can help make the prospect of marriage equality in Washington a reality, whether or not you actually reside in the state.

On Monday, supporters of civil marriage officially launched their coalition campaign, Washington United for Marriage, at a press conference in Bellevue. There are already ways for people to get involved with the campaign.