Washington is poised to become the seventh US state to allow same-sex marriage. The Washington House has passed a gay marriage bill on a 55-43 vote, after the state’s Senate approved the measure last week. Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the measure into law next week. The proposal would take effect 90 days after the governor signs, but AAP reports opponents have promised to fight gay marriage with a ballot measure that would allow voters to overturn the legislative approval. If they get enough signatures the law will be put on hold until after a November election. Washington state has had domestic partnership laws since 2007. Gay marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington D.C. The move in Washington comes a day after a federal appeals court declared California's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional, saying it was a violation of the civil rights of gay and lesbian couples. Lawyers for the coalition of conservative religious groups that sponsored Proposition 8 said they have not decided if they will seek a new hearing in California or file an appeal directly to the US Supreme Court.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 9th February 2012 - 12:59pm