Washington State Backs Same-Sex Marriage, Opponents Concede Defeat

Washington state has approved same-sex marriage by a popular vote, becoming the third state during Tuesday’s election to do so. Maine and Maryland already announced the initiatives had won in their state’s, but, because Washington used a statewide mail-in ballot system for the election, it took longer to tally the votes.

With 75 percent of the vote counted, Referendum 74 is maintaining its lead of 52 percent for those for the measure, reports the Associated Press.

Opponents of the referendum conceded the race on Thursday while supporters declared their victory on Wednesday. Zach Silk, a spokesman for supporter Washington United for Marriage called the measure’s passing a “historic day.” He added in a statement on Thursday:

“We have always understood that there are good people on the other side of this issue. Yet, we remain confident that once people see how much marriage matters to families, they will realize that the love and commitment that marriage embodies only strengthens families, neighborhoods and communities.”

While six other states and Washington, D.C., already allow gay marriage, Maryland, Maine, and Washington are the first to approve the measure by a popular vote.

USA Today notes that Washington’s Governor Christine Gregoire announced her support for gay marriage at the start of the legislative session in January. After the news that it was approved on Thursday, she issued a statement, saying:

“Voters stood up for what is right and what is just and said that all Washington families are equal under the law. This is a day that historians will look back on as a turning point for equality.”

Preserve Marriage Washington, who opposes the law, issued a statement that said its members are disappointed but will “continue to educate citizens and policymakers on the timeless truth that real marriage is the union of one man and one woman.” Joseph Backholm, the campaign chairman, stated:

“We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin … the election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in this very liberal and secular state. The results show only that in a deep blue state, with a huge financial advantage, gay marriage activists can win — barely.”

The law will be certified on December 5 ,and couples will be able to pick up their marriage certificates and licenses from county auditor offices on December 6. Because of a three-day waiting period, however, the marriage certificates cannot be signed until December 9.

The gay marriage law in Washington state does not require churches or religious organizations to perform same-sex marriages, and it does not subject them to any kind of penalty if they refuse to marry gay or lesbian couples.