same sex marriage

Controversial florist sues Wash. state, says she 'will not wilt'

Anna King — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:55:59 +0000

The Richland florist who refused to sell flowers for a same sex-couple’s wedding has filed a counter suit.

Arlene’s Flowers owner Barronnelle Stutzman says she "will not wilt." She argues there are plenty of other shops in the Tri-Cities that could cater to a gay or lesbian wedding.

Oregon, Washington file briefs in support of same-sex marriage

Chris Lehman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:43:00 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – The top state prosecutors in Oregon and Washington have filed briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of same-sex marriage. The high court is expected to take up the cases later this month.

The first case involves an effort to strike down California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage.

Update: New marriage forms let you choose 'spouse'

Paula Wissel — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:10:55 +0000

Update from the Washington Department of Health:

Revisions to Washington’s marriage certificate to conform with the new same-sex marriage law gives couples a full range of options — gender-neutral or gender-specific terms. The new form has been sent to local auditors around the state. The form is effective December 6 when the law takes effect. Marriage certificates are filed after the marriage.

Checking the facts behind both sides of same-sex marriage ads

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:26:03 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Last minute money is pouring into the ballot fight over same-sex marriage in Washington. Those dollars are buying television ads on both sides of the issue. So what claims are the campaigns making?

Gay rights advocates say Referendum 74 is about marriage equality. But the first TV ad from the Preserve Marriage Washington campaign disputes that notion.

Announcer: “Referendum 74 is not about equality. Gays and lesbians already have the same legal rights as married couples.”

Same-sex marriage foes look for boost from Obama stance

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:10:15 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash – Northwest gay rights supporters are cheering President Obama’s comments that he thinks same sex couples should be able to marry. But organizers of a petition drive to repeal Washington’s new marriage equality law hope to capitalize on the President’s new stance.

Anti-gay marriage group wants Starbucks boycott

The Associated Press — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:43:00 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A national group opposed to gay marriage is calling for a boycott of Starbucks in response to the company's public support of a new same-sex marriage law in Washington state.

Blur of same-sex marriage referendums confusing

Azusa Uchikura — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:48:57 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Over the next few months , someone may approach you with a petition. Opponents of same-sex marriage are trying to force a referendum vote on Washington’s new marriage equality law. There’s also a separate initiative to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Meanwhile, gay rights supporters are also collecting signatures for their own non-binding pledge. Confused?

Let's say a petition gatherer comes up to you.

Gregoire signs same-sex marriage bill - Washington 7th in nation

The Associated Press — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:18:32 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov.

Gov. Gregoire to sign gay marriage bill today

The Associated Press — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:11:46 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire will sign a measure legalizing gay marriage in Washington state into law on today.

With gay marriage passed in Washington, it's back to budget and taxes

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:22:12 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Now that gay marriage has passed, it's back to the budget and taxes for Washington lawmakers. The 60-day session is more than halfway over. Next week will bring the February revenue forecast. Then majority Democrats plan to roll out a budget and possible tax hikes.

Gay marriage has overshadowed just about everything else in the Washington legislature. Legislative offices were deluged with calls and emails.

Both sides of gay marriage debate react to Wash. House vote

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:34:39 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Gay marriage supporters are thrilled. Opponents are gearing up for a ballot fight. That's the dynamic after the Washington House voted Wednesday to send a same-sex marriage bill to the governor.

Up in the marble nosebleeds, proponents of gay marriage watched the debate quietly. But when the vote was tallied the celebration went on for more than a minute.

Susan Fairo cheered with her partner of 17 years. "I'm relieved, I'm delighted," she said. "It felt like a historic moment. So, we're a step farther."

Governor Chris Gregoire has five days to sign it into law.

Same-sex marriage decision personal for lawmakers

Azusa Uchikura — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:33:39 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is in the hands of Governor Chris Gregoire. It passed the Washington House Wedesday with a 55-43 vote. During the three-hour debate, many lawmakers shared their own personal stories.

Democrat Jamie Pedersen, who is openly gay, spoke of how same-sex marriage would affect his own family.

"I would like for our four children to grow up understanding that their daddy and their papa have made that kind of a life-long commitment to each other," Pedersen says.

Bill legalizing gay marriage passes House vote: 55-43

The Associated Press — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:27:31 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington state Legislature has voted to legalize gay marriage, setting the stage for the state to become the seventh in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed.

National org. prepares for gay marriage repeal effort in Washington

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:37:21 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Gay marriage isn’t the law in Washington yet, but national opponents are already preparing for a repeal campaign.

Prop 8 ruling likely has no immediate effect on Northwest

Chris Lehman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:09 +0000

Tuesday's ruling overturning California’s ban on same-sex marriage is not expected to affect similar laws in other states. Oregon and Idaho also have voter-approved amendments against gay marriage.

But Washington lawmakers are poised to send Governor Chris Gregoire a measure allowing gays and lesbians to marry.