same-sex marriage

Washington Florist Sues State, Says She 'Will Not Wilt'

Anna King — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:30:08 +0000

There’s a new development in the case of a Richland, Wash. florist who refused to sell flowers for a same sex couple’s wedding. The business owner’s lawyers announced a counter suit Thursday saying the florist “will not wilt.”

The owner of Arlene’s Flowers argues there are plenty of other shops in the Tri-Cities that could cater to a gay or lesbian wedding.

Florist Attorney Wants Discrimination Case Moved To Federal Court

Cathy Duchamp — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:52:48 +0000

The lawyer for a Richland, Wash., florist being sued for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding says he hopes to move the lawsuit to federal court as a First Amendment case.

Eugene Same-Sex Couple Gets Permission To Be Buried Together At A National Cemetery

Angela Kellner — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:11:25 +0000

A same-sex couple from Eugene has received the first-ever waiver to be buried together at a national cemetery. It comes after the death of one of the women.

Oregon Gathers Signature For Same-Sex Marriage

Virginia Alvino — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:34:34 +0000

Gay rights supporters in Oregon have begun the early work to put same-sex marriage on the 2014 ballot. Their petition was filed with the Secretary of State on Monday.

Now, 1,000 signatures are needed to initiate the ballot title process.

Oregon Same-Sex Marriage Supporters File Initiative For 2014

Chris Lehman — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:20:59 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon voters could decide next year whether to legally recognize same-sex marriages. Supporters of gay marriage submitted an initiative Monday aimed at putting such a question on the Oregon ballot in November of 2014.

Nine states including Washington issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. But Oregon can't, since voters defined marriage as between one man and one woman nearly a decade ago. It would take a statewide vote to reverse that.

One Of Spokane's First Same-Sex Married Couples Say "I Do"

Paige Browning — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:08:54 +0000

Sunday was the first day marriage certificates were signed in Washington state since the passing of the same-sex marriage law. One Spokane couple said “I Do” to each other for the second time.

Implications Unclear For Supreme Court Gay Marriage Cases

Chris Lehman — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Supporters of same-sex marriage in the Northwest are at once celebrating and downplaying the latest news from the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court announced Friday that it would review a ban on same-sex marriage in California, as well as a federal law that prohibits gays and lesbians from receiving federal spousal benefits.

After 26 Years Together Gay Couple Pick Up Their Marriage Certificate In Eastern Washington

Anna King — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:45:37 +0000

On the first day of legal same-sex marriage in Washington, the scene was quiet at the Benton County Annex in Kennewick in southeast Washington. Workers sat at the ready to hand out marriage licenses, but only a few people showed up. But one couple that did got their paperwork after 26 years together.

No Crowd As Same-Sex Couple Obtains Marriage License

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:29:24 +0000

In Washington’s capital city, the County Auditor was prepared for a rush on the day same-sex marriage became legal. Instead, it felt like business as usual.

Final Signatures Allow Wash. Same-Sex Marriage Law To Take Effect

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:07:32 +0000

On the eve of same-sex marriage taking effect in Washington, Gov. Chris Gregoire hosted an emotional ceremony in her office. Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed certified the results of the vote to uphold Washington’s new marriage equality law.