Washington lawmakers announced Monday that they have the necessary votes to pass a measure legalizing gay marriage, making it the seventh state to do so.
Democratic state Senator Mary Margaret Haugen announced Monday that she will support the measure, becoming the 25th vote needed to pass the bill out of the Senate. The House already has enough support, and Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire has endorsed the plan.
“This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor,” the Democratic lawmaker said in a lengthy statement on Monday.
Ms. Haugen’s statement supporting the measure followed an intense legislative session on the issue. Opponents and supporters of gay marriage packed a Senate committee hearing Monday for the first public hearing before the Washington state Legislature this session.
Washington state Senator Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle, testified before the committee on Monday, saying the level of support was an indication that the bill is likely to pass.
“I have waited 17 years to ask this body to consider marriage equality for gay and lesbian families,” said Mr. Murray, who is sponsoring the Senate bill. “I realize the issue of marriage for our families is emotional and divisive. It touches what each of us holds most dear, our families.”
