Washington State lawmakers spent much of Wednesday responding to Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire’s announcement that she will support a legislative proposal legalizing gay marriage in the state.
Speaking Wednesday, a number of Republican lawmaker said they would oppose the proposal, citing support for keeping civil unions in place of gay marriage.
“I think marriage is defined by the state as between a man and a woman and I think it should stay that way,” said Republican state Senator Curtis King of the 14th District.
“As far as an issue of gay marriage, it’s inappropriate at this time, it’s not timely, and it’s just a diversion from our major issues,” added Republican state Representative Larry Haler of the 8th District.
Yakima Representative Norm Johnson, who voted to expand rights for same-sex couples, says Wednesday that he will not support Ms. Gregoire’s proposal, noting the current legislative agenda in Olympia will keep lawmakers plenty busy through 2012.
“We’ve got a lot on our plate when we go back to Olympia. Particularly a $1.5 billion deficit and I think that’s what we ought to be concentrating energies on and not on other things that are not as important as that at this time,” said Mr. Johnson.
