Gay marriage OK'd in Washington state

Article by: KIM MURPHY , Los Angeles Times In a boisterous ceremony at the state Capitol in Olympia, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire -- a Catholic who weathered strong opposition, including a last-minute "action alert" from the state's Catholic Church leadership -- signed legislation to give same-sex couples the same right to a marriage license as anyone else. "Look into your hearts and ask yourselves: 'Isn't it time?'" said Gregoire, a Democrat, as cheering supporters chanted, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Also Monday, the New Jersey Senate passed a bill approving same-sex marriage, but the ultimate outcome in that state was expected to be different. Although the state Assembly is also expected to approve the measure on Thursday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has vowed to veto the bill should it reach his desk. In Washington state, the new law exempts churches, religious institutions and members of the clergy from participating in same-sex marriages if it goes against their beliefs -- a compromise aimed at hundreds of churches whose members phoned and e-mailed lawmakers in an attempt to defeat the bill. Several faith organizations signed on in support of the measure, however, Gregoire noted. "Years from now, our kids will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about, but those of us who lived through the last 20 years appreciate how challenging this has been," said state Sen. Jamie Pedersen, a Democrat, who sponsored the bill through its contentious charge through the Legislature. On Monday, he introduced onlookers to his "future husband," a former high school administrator who stood on the sidelines cradling one of the couple's four children. The issue is far from over, however. Conservative and religious leaders have vowed to begin collecting signatures for a referendum to overturn the new law. The statute, set to take effect on June 7, would be held in abeyance if referendum proponents succeed in placing it on the November ballot. "Much hangs in the balance over the next few months. This is a time for people of faith to work together," Gary Randall, president of the Faith & Freedom Network, said in an appeal to supporters. He added in another statement: "This is a dark day for people of faith and those who honor natural, traditional marriage." A separate initiative proposal to define marriage as occurring between one man and one woman is pending before a judge in Thurston County and also could make its way to the ballot.