Washington Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on January 17, 2007

Click here to view bill details.

These bills must be defeated for three reasons. They are fiscally irresponsible. They open up a new class of entitlements on a social security and welfare system that is already broken. They are socially and spiritually irresponsible. These bills provide government incentive to live together as though married, without the commitments of marriage. They are also contrary to the spiritual and moral teaching of the Bible and the historic mores of American culture. They are a “gateway” or incremental step toward gay marriage. Mr. Murray, Mr. Moeller and others have repeatedly told the press and the public that the prize is ultimately marriage for gays.

Even the State Supreme Court said no. Get over this bad idea. Do the peoples real business and quit wasting our time and money on this nonsense.

1.We have no business trying to side step a Supreme Court ruling. 2. It's immoral and against the Bible. 3. The majority of the citizens do not want this to pass..

The Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature was constitutionally allowed to pass the Defense of Marriage Act in 1998. The Legislature felt, at that time, there was a need to protect procreation and encourage families headed by biological parents. This is the argument that was upheld by the court. The decision was NOT a blanket ruling on the constitutionality of gay marriage. In fact, the court ruling specifically stated the Legislature, or the people through the initiative process, could extend marriage rights to gays. The court stated that they were not going to establish the law on gay marriage. That is a matter for the Legislature to decide. Currently, the Legislature defines marriage as between one man and one woman. The court ruling does not prohibit the Legislature from redefining marriage in the future, if they so chose, to include same-sex couples.

What a bogus bill . My representative never discussed her support for this issue , she is a sponsor of the bill . Why did they NOT campaign on this ?

It is long past time to ensure equality to ALL citizens of the state. For how many years was it illegal for "mixed marriages" to exist? Far too long. And gay and lesbian people have already waited too long for equal rights. This is not a religious issue, it is a matter of separation of church and state. There is NO justification for unjust discrimination to continue. My gay son should have equal rights with his straight siblings. Valorie Zimmerman Black Diamond, Washington http://valorie.zimmerman.googlepages.com

Call it what you will… civil unions or civil marriages; it is appropriate to recognize the love that two people have when they decide to become one and commit their lives to each other. I have no objection to this bill.

Valorie, There is a large demonstartion coming to support gay marriage in Olympia . Many liberal churches will be coming to Olympia to speak out for gay marriage . If you are sincere in your principles , you will speak out against their involvementy also . Somehow I doubt that , I believe your sincerity in your concern and love for your children . Perhaps re think your debating points ? So far it sounds you only rspect religions and views that respect your opinions . Martin Luther King Jr in todays world according to you not to sepak on Civil Rights issues ? Also the American Civil War was supported before and during from a large abolitionist movement of Christian Leaders , and followers . It appears you only are concerned about it when the Concerned Faith Community is in majority of holding the traditional method and standards we have all learned to respect .. I agree , with that respet dwindling, so is how we treat and respect each other .

Let the people vote again on this issue. We'll say a resounding NO, just like we did every time before. Will the legislators ever listen to the people on this one?

Who is to say that a majority of the "people" do not like Gay Marriages? Who are the "people" they are talking about? I am part of the "people" yet I believe in equal rights to all couples, whether they are homosexual or heterosexual, no one tells a person who to date. Ever person on earth can love whoever they want, to say that a majority of the people do not want equal rights to homosexual couples better take a better poll and not just ask your friends!!!