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MsTinkerbelly · 01-20-2012, 08:48 AM

Marriage equality is one vote away in Washington, gains major corporate supporters
By Jacob Combs

Great news out of Washington today. State Senator Jim Kastama has announced that he will support the state’s marriage equality bill in the Senate, putting it just one vote shy of passage. Kastama, a conservative Democrat from a politically diverse district, admitted that he has struggled with the vote:

“This decision is a deeply personal one. Unlike some of my colleagues in liberal districts, I will not return home to cheers and handshakes. I represent the district I was raised in. My wife and I purchased and live in the same house I grew up in and we have raised our family there. My district has known me my whole life and for 16 years has entrusted me to be a fiercely independent legislator. The people of my district are generous and decent, but I also know that there are childhood friends who will never forgive me for this vote.”

In addition, Kastama noted that he believes it is important for the bill to pass without a provision that would send it to the ballot later this year. Kastama’s full statement can be read here, and compellingly makes the case for why legislatures should not shy away from important legislation simply because it’s controversial.

In other encouraging news, a broad coalition of businesses, including Microsoft, Nike and Real Networks, signed a letter today in support of the legislation.

Still, without that last Senate vote, nothing can happen. We have to keep up the pressure on the remaining undecided votes. The following Senators have not taken a position on the bill:

Sen. Brian Hatfield of Raymond D (360) 786-7636
Sen. Paull Shin of Edmonds D (360) 786-7640
Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn R (360) 786-7692
Sen. Doug Ericksen of Ferndale R (360) 786-7682
Sen. Linda Evans of Wenatchee R (360) 786-7622
Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond R (360) 786-7672

In addition, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen has stated that she won’t support the bill and instead wants to send the issue to the ballot. At this point, it’s worth trying to change her mind–she can be reached at (360) 786-7648. If you live in Washington, write, call and make your voice heard. And if you live elsewhere, do the same

01-20-2012, 08:48 AM	#7
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,909 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	Prop 8 Blog Marriage equality is one vote away in Washington, gains major corporate supporters By Jacob Combs Great news out of Washington today. State Senator Jim Kastama has announced that he will support the state’s marriage equality bill in the Senate, putting it just one vote shy of passage. Kastama, a conservative Democrat from a politically diverse district, admitted that he has struggled with the vote: “This decision is a deeply personal one. Unlike some of my colleagues in liberal districts, I will not return home to cheers and handshakes. I represent the district I was raised in. My wife and I purchased and live in the same house I grew up in and we have raised our family there. My district has known me my whole life and for 16 years has entrusted me to be a fiercely independent legislator. The people of my district are generous and decent, but I also know that there are childhood friends who will never forgive me for this vote.” In addition, Kastama noted that he believes it is important for the bill to pass without a provision that would send it to the ballot later this year. Kastama’s full statement can be read here, and compellingly makes the case for why legislatures should not shy away from important legislation simply because it’s controversial. In other encouraging news, a broad coalition of businesses, including Microsoft, Nike and Real Networks, signed a letter today in support of the legislation. Still, without that last Senate vote, nothing can happen. We have to keep up the pressure on the remaining undecided votes. The following Senators have not taken a position on the bill: Sen. Brian Hatfield of Raymond D (360) 786-7636 Sen. Paull Shin of Edmonds D (360) 786-7640 Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn R (360) 786-7692 Sen. Doug Ericksen of Ferndale R (360) 786-7682 Sen. Linda Evans of Wenatchee R (360) 786-7622 Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond R (360) 786-7672 In addition, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen has stated that she won’t support the bill and instead wants to send the issue to the ballot. At this point, it’s worth trying to change her mind–she can be reached at (360) 786-7648. If you live in Washington, write, call and make your voice heard. And if you live elsewhere, do the same