Change is in the air when it comes to the recognition of same-sex marriage.
Washington State’s House of Representatives passed a bill 55-43 on Feb. 8 recognizing same-sex marriage. The hurdle left to jump is obtaining Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signature, and her approval is anticipated.
If Gregoire signs the bill, Washington will become the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage, joining the ranks of Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
This follows a key decision made by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Feb. 7 that declared California’s famed Proposition 8, or the California Marriage Protection Act, unconstitutional.
In his decision, Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote the proposition serves no purpose but to lessen “the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.”
Like residents of Washington today, thousands of Californians gathered to celebrate, but many haven’t realized the battle for same-sex marriage is still being fought.
A “stay” has been issued for Proposition 8, meaning that same-sex marriages will still not be recognized or be performed in The Golden State. Those against the opinion have until Feb. 28 to issue an appeal against the opinion to the U.S. Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.
And people are already stating their opposition. In the hours after the opinion was released, Republicans everywhere were quick to deliver their disapproval.
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich responded in a statement “ … more and more Americans are being exposed to the radical overreach of federal judges and their continued assault on the Judeo-Christian foundations of the United States.”
The Torch congratulates Washington on legislators’ decision and encourages California gay-rights activists in their fight for the recognition of same-sex marriage and equality for everyone. It is also crucial that these conversations happen elsewhere, particularly in Oregon.
It is easy to be excited for California’s big step, but the movement needs to be brought here. Talk to your representatives, your classmates, and your parents.
Share your views and ask for the equality that is the right of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
Turn that talk into action and make history. All it takes is a phone call or a stamp. Equality will never happen unless there is a voice behind it.
