From Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-chris-gregoire/on-being-witness-to-extraordinary-history_b_2260451.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices
Gov. Chris Gregoire
12/09/2012
We have few occasions in life to be witness to extraordinary history. This is one of those days. Today same-sex couples in Washington are getting married under a law approved by the voters. For the first time in the United States, their marriage is legal not because of actions by legislatures or courts but because their equal rights were affirmed by their peers across the state at the ballot box. That shift is momentous and one of which I am incredibly proud.
On election night I was overcome by emotion as I took the stage for a celebration of our state’s same-sex marriage efforts. I looked out over a crowd of several thousand who had fought so hard for this moment. They were young and old, families and couples, military members past and present, businesspeople and public servants, of all races and all backgrounds, and for the first time marriage equality was within their reach. It was the most memorable moments in my 20 years in elected office.
Like any journey, ours was one of a million steps by thousands of everyday people. Nearly 25 years ago Washington elected the first openly gay member of our legislature, Cal Anderson. Today, 17 years after his death, Cal’s dream has been realized. We stand on his shoulders and the shoulders of so many who brought us to this point.
In Seattle the first couple to receive their marriage license had been together for 35 years. Today, after a very long engagement, they are getting married. Across Washington similar stories abound. Hundreds stood in line overnight so that they would not have to wait a moment longer for the rights they deserve. Within the first 24 hours more than 800 same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses.
Continue reading at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-chris-gregoire/on-being-witness-to-extraordinary-history_b_2260451.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices
