Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the 25 lawmakers who have now created a State Senate majority in support of marriage equality in Washington state. Councilmember Joe McDermott, who sponsored the amendment to add marriage equality to the County’s legislative agenda, also praised the legislators’ support.

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Executive Constantine and Councilmember McDermott on State Senate majority in support of marriage equality

King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the 25 lawmakers who have now created a State Senate majority in support of marriage equality in Washington state:

"My congratulations to all 25 State Senators who have shown the courage and leadership to pledge their support of marriage equality.

"I urge the Senators who've remained uncommitted to step up to this historic moment, and cast their vote for this landmark civil rights legislation.

"Once enacted, Washington would become the seventh state in the U.S. to recognize the right of all adult residents to marry. It wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of people like Sen. Ed Murray and supporters all across the state.

"Lawmakers in both houses should move swiftly to put this bill on the Governor's desk, and I look forward to the day I can sign marriage certificates for any adult couple in King County."

Councilmember Joe McDermott, who sponsored the amendment to add marriage equality to the County's legislative agenda, also praised the legislators' support:

"Today's announcement moves Washington closer to equal opportunity for gay and lesbian couples. We make history in recognizing that all couples should be treated equally under state law.

"As a Senator I was a proud sponsor of the state's Domestic Partnership legislation, though marriage was always the goal. I commend my former legislative colleagues for their courageous support.

"As families across King County and the state struggle to find and keep jobs in the Great Recession, there is no better time to provide all families the protections and commitment of marriage.

"I look forward to our family and friends joining Michael, my partner of over 12 years, and I when we marry."