“Wednesday, February 8, 2012— an historic day. And yes, indeed, that’s putting it mildly.
“Approval for the marriage-equality standard in both legislative chambers is a momentous statement of justice and principle for every Washington citizen, family, and community. We have sent to the governor’s desk a bill — a bipartisan bill, I happily add — around which every Washington city, town, and neighborhood can and should rally.
“I have felt all along that time was on our side. Time has always been on the side of doing what I believe is the right thing, the principled thing for equality and justice.
“Yes, this story was a very long time in the making. But finally, legislation writing marriage equality into the law of our state has earned wide and increasingly bipartisan support. Slowly but surely, many legislators, who in some cases have been rather solid ‘Nays’ on marriage equality, are moving toward ‘Yea.’ They see that the justice and fairness in this legislation simply makes sense — simple, common sense. And they see that the love and commitment they have in their own marriage is the same in all marriages.
“Strong, healthy families promote social stability and prosperous economic growth. Couples who have obtained civil-marriage licenses have already committed themselves to one another in heart and mind. In this measure, our state meets a responsibility to establish legal, ethical, and commonsense protections that are realized in a bona-fidemarriage contract.
“As House Speaker Pro Tempore, it was a singular honor and privilege for me to preside over our proceedings today. I want to compliment those folks who did vote against and speak against the legislation for their decorum. I have never doubted their sincerity, and I was proud of their propriety.”
The bill passed the House of Representatives just now, 55-43, and the Senate on Feb. 1, 28-21.