http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/01/012406waDemo.htmMore than 1,000 gay rights supporters rallied Monday on the state Capitol steps, calling for passage of a gay civil rights bill that appears to have sufficient support this year after nearly 30 years of failure in the Washington state Legislature.
Wearing "I'm for Equality" buttons and carrying signs that read "Equality for All of God's Children," supporters listened to lawmakers and religious leaders who support the measure that would add "sexual orientation" to a state law that bans discrimination in housing, employment and insurance. Sixteen states have passed similar laws.
"We are on the brink of doing something truly remarkable," Gov. Chris Gregoire told the cheering crowd. "Finally, after far too many years, the state is going to take a stand to say that gay and lesbian individuals living in our great state have the right to be valued and considered to be as worthy as any other citizen."
The measure passed the House on Friday, and was expected to be up for a vote in the Senate this week. The measure failed by one vote in the Senate last year. Supporters are more hopeful this year because Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, announced earlier this month that he would switch his vote to yes, all but assuring its passage.
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