Washington state has become the seventh state to legalize gay marriage. In a party-line vote, Washington’s bicameral legislature approved the bill, as the state’s Gov. Christine Gregoire signed it into law on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day.
Opponents of gay rights have vowed to put the issue on the ballot, either as a repeal initiative or as an initiative defining marriage as solely between a man and a women. In Washington, a 2009 “everything but marriage” domestic partnership law overwhelmingly survived a right-wing initiative challenge.
Six other states already recognize same-sex marriage. Supporters of gay and lesbian couples are pushing similar measures in Maryland, New Jersey and Maine.
Discriminatory marriage laws deny gay families numerous basic rights as well as economic benefits. All families deserve equal rights and recognition. It is because of unjust laws passed by capitalist politicians, superstitious prejudices promoted by the ruling class, and the exploitative nature of capitalism that inequality exists.
