EQUAL RIGHTS

Washington Passes Gay-Marriage Bill

Could be seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Following California’s ruling to lift a ban on gay marriage, Washington state passed a bill approving gay marriage on Wednesday and is poised to be the seventh state in the country where same-sex couples can wed. The Washington House approved the measure by a 55–43 vote after it passed the Senate last week, and Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign off on the legislation next week. However, it will take 90 days for the law to go into effect, and opponents are vowing to push through a ballot measure that would put it on hold until the November election. But if they don’t garner enough votes, gay couples in Washington could begin walking down the aisles in June.