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Report: Votes exist in Washington State Legislature to enact marriage equality
January 23, 2012
By Adam Bink
With the statement of State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, it appears the 25 votes necessary in the State Senate to enact marriage equality exist. Votes in the State House are there and Gov. Gregoire has stated that she would sign the measure (which may be considered for a voter referendum). Sen. Haugen’s statement:
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen statement on Senate Bill 6239 to allow same-sex marriage, issued after today’s hearing:
“For several weeks now, I have heard from the people of my district. They’ve shared what’s in their hearts and minds.
“I have received many letters, emails, phone calls, very heartfelt, from both sides of the issue. I’ve also received a number of very negative comments from both sides.
“For some people, this is a simple issue. I envy them. It has not been simple or easy for me.
“To some degree, this is generational. Years ago I took exception to my parents’ beliefs on certain social issues, and today my children take exception to some of mine. Times change, even if it makes us uncomfortable. I think we should all be uncomfortable sometime. None of us knows everything, and it’s important to have our beliefs questioned. Only one being in this world is omniscient, and it’s not me.
“I have very strong Christian beliefs, and personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs. It’s not always easy to do that. For me personally, I have always believed in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That is what I believe, to this day.
“But this issue isn’t about just what I believe. It’s about respecting others, including people who may believe differently than I. It’s about whether everyone has the same opportunities for love and companionship and family and security that I have enjoyed.
“For as long as I have been alive, living in my country has been about having the freedom to live according to our own personal and religious beliefs, and having people respect that freedom.“Not everyone will agree with my position. I understand and respect that. I also trust that people will remember that we need to respect each other’s beliefs. All of us enjoy the benefits of being Americans, but none of us holds a monopoly on what it means to be an American. Ours is truly a big tent, and while the tent may grow and shrink according to the political winds of the day, it should never shrink when it comes to our rights as individuals.
“Do I respect people who feel differently? Do I not feel they should have the right to do as they want? My beliefs dictate who I am and how I live, but I don’t see where my believing marriage is between a man and a woman gives me the right to decide that for everyone else.
“I’ve weighed many factors in arriving at this decision, and one of them was erased when the legislation heard today included an amendment to clearly provide for the rights of a church to choose not to marry a couple if that marriage contradicts the church’s view of its teachings. That’s important, and it helped shape my decision.
“My preference would be to put this issue on the ballot and give all Washingtonians the opportunity to wrestle with this issue, to search their hearts as I have, and to make the choice for themselves. But I do not know that there are the votes to put it to a ballot measure. So, forced to make a choice, my choice is to allow all men and women in our state to enjoy the same privileges that are so important in my life. I will vote in favor of marriage equality.
“I know this announcement makes me the so-called 25th vote, the vote that ensures passage. That’s neither here nor there. If I were the first or the seventh or the 28th vote, my position would not be any different. I happen to be the 25th because I insisted on taking this much time to hear from my constituents and to sort it out for myself, to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy.
“This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor.”
Filed under: Marriage equality
29 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Ann S. | January 23, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Am I seeing double or is this a repeat? Not that it's not worth reading twice, mind you.
2.
Bob | January 23, 2012 at 5:01 pm
wow what an amazing letter,,,, thank you so much Mary Margaret Haugen,,, for proving wonderful things happen when one truly searches the depths of their heart and mind,,, they choose equality over discrimination,,,,,,, thank you
3.
Derek Williams | January 23, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Wonderful, heartfelt words.
4.
Fr. Bill | January 23, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Thank you for your vote and for your words. The one thing I find troubling is your preference to make the marriage equality of your gay and lesbian tax-paying constituents subject to a voter referendum. As a straight married woman, I can see that might make sense to you.
The ready willingness of the majority to make the rights of a minority subject to majority vote is one of the best arguments for "heightened scrutiny" under the equal protction clauses in the US and various States' constitutions.
5.
Derek Williams | January 23, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Indeed, the vexed issue of the Tyranny of the Majority came under President John Adams' radar.
Any minority will lose out every time in a ballot, unless the majority just happens to understand and support their issues.
This is why Human Rights are considered inalienable and inviolate, and why there is a Constitution, upheld by the President and the Judiciary in the interests of Equal Protection..
This is a mistake people make when they claim that President Obama should uphold and defend DOMA because it was voted there by Congress. But they fail to understand that the President's first sworn duty is to uphold the Constitution of the United States. If he has had legal advice that a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional, as is the case here, then his duty is to orphan that law by not defending it, just as he has been doing. Only COngress can rescind it, and it must still be enforced while still the law of the land, however unconstitutional, but the President is bound by his oath of office first and foremost.
6.
Deb | January 23, 2012 at 6:39 pm
May I ask: Is the Courage Campaign going to help out in the referendum battle? I realize that CC is CA-based, but it did help out in Maine in 2009. This year there will be referenda battles in MN, WA, ME and possibly MD. CC can't fight everywhere, but I would hope that it would put some money and human resources into the fight in WA and ME.
7.
Sammy | January 23, 2012 at 6:54 pm
dont forget there is also North Carolina! Resources are going t be spread thin for both sides… lets hope that benefits us!
8.
Jacob | January 23, 2012 at 7:15 pm
I think it's more than just based in California, but actually created to support progressive causes in California. Fortunately, there are local pro-equality organizations in every state–as well as a number of national pro-equality organizations–to help fund local battles.
9.
Seth from Maryland | January 23, 2012 at 8:22 pm
i was just wondering with Washington State becoming a state with marriage equality, how many people now will live with marriage equality?
10.
_BK_ | January 23, 2012 at 8:57 pm
In the US or around the world?
11.
Seth from Maryland | January 23, 2012 at 9:14 pm
i just mean in the US, also i was wondering what impact this could on the doma trials ?
12.
Str8Grandmother | January 24, 2012 at 3:21 am
Wonderful news, wonderful. However it will be better, much better, when the Supreme Court rules that laws that deny Sexual Minorities access to Civil Marriage violate the Constitution. Then we don't have to worry about winning politically, which one year can be yes then the next year no. It's going to be a long long time if ever, until States like Texas and Louisiana politically support Civil Marriage for Sexual Minorities.
Just like the political Win in New York was great so to will be the win in Washington State, but even better will be a win in the Supreme Court. I can't wait to send Maggie Gallagher and Brian Brown to the unemployment line. I wonder how much longer we have to wait for that decision from the 9th Circuit…
13.
bythesea | January 24, 2012 at 7:11 am
Yes I agree, but that could be a long time from now. I think that SCOTUS will settle the issue sometime in the next few years, but they may avoid doing so (there are ways to rule on the cases before them that avoid addressing the essential issue, and they just might choose to do so). In the meantime, every step toward equality changes the culture and increasingly gives protections to same sex couples and their families.
14.
AnonyGrl | January 24, 2012 at 7:23 am
Welll, if I recall correctly, NY pushed the % of people living in states with marriage equality to 11%, and Washington state has 2% of the US population, so that would make it 13%.
When we win Maryland and New Jersey, that adds another 5%, so we will be at 18%. California is soon to add another 12%, which makes a total of 30%. So we stand to have at least 1/3 of the country living in states with marriage equality in 2012. At least.
These are numbers that are make me very happy. Only 2/3 to go!!
15.
Seth from Maryland | January 24, 2012 at 7:28 am
thanks AnonyGrl
16.
chris from CO | January 24, 2012 at 7:47 am
Now that the votes are there should washington go for a vote would it be better to wait 4 or 5 months to bring the bill up so when it is passed it cant be contested until 2013 or 2014 by a vote.
17.
Mark M. (Seattle) | January 24, 2012 at 9:47 am
No no no….we've waited long enough. The voters of Washington pushed back an attempt to remove Domestic Partner benefits and recognition when we defeated Ref 71. We can certainly defeat this new assault on our rights as well……and it will show those at NOM and others who are always saying 'Let the people vote!', that when the people voted, they voted to do the right thing.
I can't wait to hear what NOM will say about that!
18.
AnonyGrl | January 24, 2012 at 10:11 am
Momentum is a fickle thing, and really, I think it is better to strike while the iron is hot.
19.
Leo | January 24, 2012 at 10:21 am
California? There's no way Perry will have a Supreme Court decision before the end of 2012. Or do you mean via the Prop 8 repeal ballot initiative? (Seems to me like its chances of passing are better than its chances of gathering enough signatures.)
20.
Str8Grandmother | January 24, 2012 at 11:00 am
Thanks Much! I appreciate your research.
21.
Str8Grandmother | January 24, 2012 at 11:01 am
I agree with you, In the meantime I appreciate every single step toward equaity.
Tick Tock Tick Tock.
22.
Warner | January 24, 2012 at 11:29 am
I feel an urge to sing a chorus of 'God Bless America' in honor of this politician.
23.
_BK_ | January 24, 2012 at 11:33 am
There's no guarantee that Perry will be reviewed by SCOTUS. Even if it is, I would think it's likely that there would be no stay of same sex marriages before SCOTUS reaches its decision. But that's just my non-legal opinion. (:
24.
_BK_ | January 24, 2012 at 11:35 am
Future NOM headline: "Activist Electorate in Washington State vote to Dismantle Marriage"
25.
chris from CO | January 24, 2012 at 12:25 pm
I'm sorry I was thinking political. Wahington should get this done as soon as possible. I would want it to in CO.
26.
Mark M. (Seattle) | January 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm
And you WILL have it in CO soon Chris. I can feel it in my bones
27.
Mark M. (Seattle) | January 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm
LOL
I can see it now
28. Prop 8 Trial Tracker &raq&hellip | January 26, 2012 at 2:01 pm
[...] with gay marriage. When Washington Senator Mary Margaret Haugen announced that she would support Washington’s marriage equality bill, she said in a statement that her personal faith-based [...]
29. A Good Week for Marriage &hellip | February 9, 2012 at 8:07 pm
[...] 25th vote for the bill, which guaranteed that it would pass in the Senate. Her full remarks can be read here. I can’t help but admire her dedication to the American [...]
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