Washington State stands as a symbol of freedom and progress. After eight other states and the District of Columbia, Washington became the 10th U.S. jurisdiction to allow same sex couples the right to marry, marking a major achievement for Washington gay marriage activists. As most same sex advocates know, gay marriage law in America has been a hotly-debated topic for years, with widely varying legislation across the states.
Today, more than 19,000 homosexual couples are living in Washington, each of them enjoying the same right to marry as straight couples. This wasn’t always the case, however. Domestic partnerships were legalized in the state in 2007, with additional protections being offered the following year. In November 2009, opponents to marital equality attempted to repeal same sex domestic partnerships during the election.
After a same sex marriage bill was signed into law by the governor in February 2012, anti-gay activists again managed to postpone gay marriage rights until the following November. Equal marriage rights were finally realized for Washington residents on November 6, 2012, along with Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota.
The state of Washington is known for its gorgeous scenery, numerous recreational and intellectual attractions, small-town friendliness, and progressive ideals. What better place for a wedding and honeymoon? While Washington residents can get married in the state and enjoy the same rights and benefits as traditional married couples, out-of-state couples may run into obstacles if their home state still does not recognize gay marriage. However, with the opinions of lawmakers and the public changing day by day, it’s possible that soon everyone will have the right to marry, regardless of gender attraction or the state they live in.
