“Make no mistake, there is growing national momentum for marriage equality in this country, and Washington State today sent the clear message that hate and bigotry have no place in the laws that govern us. And it’s not enough that I can get married here in New York, we must work until everyone can marry in their own hometowns.

Following yesterday’s 9th Circuit decision affirming marriage equality, today, the Washington State House of Representatives voted 55-43 to back a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, which passed in the State Senate. Governor Christine Gregoire has pledged to sign the bill, a decision that will move us forward as a nation of people who recognize that the freedom to marry is the right of every American.

I applaud Washington State’s lawmakers and I am hopeful that this piece of legislation will be signed swiftly into law. As I have said before, with our steadfast dedication and mobilization fueled by what we know to be true and right in our hearts, we can end marriage injustice once and for all. We will keep up the fight for marriage equality for all Americans.”

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