Washington gov signs gay marriage bill into law

[Fearless]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire handed gay rights advocates a major victory, signing into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state, making it the seventh in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.

Gregoire signed the bill in the state reception room in the Capitol, surrounded by gay rights supporters. "I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal," Gregoire said.

It's a historic moment, but same-sex couples can't walk down the aisle just yet.

The law takes effect June 7, but opponents are already mounting challenges on multiple fronts.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gOzreqKtsocIgfIBNvYSh7fawXFA?docId=d7f1bc8db11e4bd69d7ef620a3fb84ea

[Taverner]

1. AWESOME!!!!!!

Congrats, my gay brothers and sisters here

If you invite me to your weddings I promise to purchase from your registries

[teddy51]

2. That is awesome, so happy for the GLBT people in my State. n/t

[gateley]

3. I'm so happy for my fellow Washingtonians!

And disgusted that ANYBODY in this wonderful State is "mounting challenges on multiple fronts".

You've got our support!

[barbtries]

4. kick and rec

good news WA!
my conservative sister lives there, i wonder how she feels about it. sadly i will probably forego asking. i could be all wrong and she's all for it, but i don't want to chance getting pissed off at her.

[sarge43]

5. Way to go, Washington State

[iandhr]

6. One more step forward on the road to equality.

[rhett o rick]

8. It's a battle but the war is still on. Dem Gov Gregoire is not running

for reelection. There will be big money to put a R'con in the governorship.

[ruggerson]

9. recommended n/t

[freeplessinseattle]

10. Wooohooo!! Thank you Gregoire!

Nice timing, too, with Santorum in the state, haha. Take that, Ricky.

[LiberalLovinLug]

11. I hope they learn from the California experience

It seemed like they relaxed a little too much and assumed they had "won" before Prop 8 was introduced and even during the wars. Some of the best ads, and actions were taken AFTER Prop 8 was passed, after it was too late.

Get ready....the Mormons are coming! the Mormons are coming!

[fortyfeetunder]

17. I am looking forward to one of those petition soliciters

'cause I have some diplomatic yet snarky comebacks

[Politicub]

12. Monumental... Thank you, Washington!!

[uppityperson]

13. k&r

[csziggy]

14. Once 40 states pass equal marriage rights, will DOMA finally be repealed?

Because it is clear that is the direction the country is moving.

Congratulations, Washington state!

[Firebrand Gary]

15. WTG Washington State!

Woot woot

[awoke_in_2003]

16. a big old K&R. nt

[AllyCat]

18. Gregoire did not "hand gay rights advocates a major victory". She handed ALL Washingtonians

a major, moral victory. When all have equal rights, we can start to have peace.