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

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.

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Credit Northwest News Network

Gov. Chris Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed pose for a photo after certifying the results of Referendum 74.

Voters in Washington, Maryland and Maine all said yes last month to allowing same-sex marriage. But Washington’s law goes into effect first.

Gov. Gregoire noted the historic significance of gaining voter approval as she prepared to sign a formal proclamation.

“First state in the nation to issue marriage licenses as a result of a ballot box.”

The room was crowded with couples and backers of the campaign to uphold the state’s new same-sex marriage law. After the formal signing ceremony, Marcy Kulland stood with her partner of more than 20-years and recalled that she’s been fighting for gay rights since the mid-1970s.

“This is a culmination of a dream for me and especially with the woman I love, so it means everything to me.”

Kulland and her partner, Terry Virgona, plan to wed next fall.

Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network