WA voters make history: for the first time, gay civil rights are approved by a vote

[pnwmom]

of the people -- rather than by legislators or by judges.

For those who aren't familiar with the Referendum, the only reason it was on the ballot is because anti-gay activists were unhappy that the legislature approved an expanded civil partnership last spring, giving partners all the state rights enjoyed by married couples. So they petitioned for a referendum on the issue, and were successful in placing the measure on the ballot. Well, it's all blown up in their faces, because Washington state's new law has now been approved by BOTH the legislature and a vote of the people.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010212278_webref7106m.html

Washington state voters have approved Referendum 71, keeping a law that expands state benefits for registered same-sex and some senior domestic partners.

The tally Thursday afternoon saw the vote to approve R-71 widening its lead 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent.

That lead now appears insurmountable. The Secretary of State's Office estimates another 500,000 to 600,000 ballots statewide are still outstanding, with about half expected from King County, where the measure is being approved by slightly more than 2 to 1.

"Voters across the state listened to the personal stories of lesbian and gay families and the challenges they faced and sent a strong message that we want to see all families treated equally under the law in our state," said Anne Levinson, chairwoman of Washington Families Standing Together, which worked for the measure's approval.

But opponents of R-71 were not conceding Thursday afternoon.

[Mojambo]

1. Yay for us! n/t

[ruggerson]

2. recommended

[uppityperson]

3. 52.05 % vote to not take away legislated rights. Up from this morning a bit. (link...)

http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/Results.aspx?RaceTypeCode=M&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&ElectionID=32&ViewMode=Results

[pnwmom]

4. That link is from yesterday. Today's number is 52.5. The spread is widening

and with so many votes to count from King County, it could grow wider still.

[uppityperson]

6. "County Results & Map Last updated on 11/5/2009 5:36 PM"

It was lower last night and this morning, wasn't up to 52% this morning. kicking anyway. About time.

[winyanstaz]

5. Proud to live in the Great State of Washington!!

I also think any more bashing and trying to pass laws against gay people...should be treated as hate crimes because that is what it is.
The people have voted.

[slackmaster]

7. So, what's the score now, 1 for 32?

Not good but it's a start.

[Capn Sunshine]

8. Its a positive start

Thank goodness. Now, if we can do this in Calif........ polling shows Prop 8 would not pass today. I suspect many did not actually know what they were voting for.

[jgraz]

9. Happy for the result, but it's sick that we had to wait until 2009 for one single victory.

What is it that makes people think it's OK to crawl into other people's bedrooms?

[pnwmom]

22. The population is aging. Time is on our side, because most in the

younger generations are supportive.

[liberalmuse]

10. I'm not in Utah anymore. YESSSSSS!!!

Bite me, Mormons! I'm just disappointed in Maine, but am glad Washington did the right thing. We've got quite a few wingnuts outside of Seattle here, but apparently not as many as Maine.

[mrs_p]

11. i miss home (seattle)

just 8 more years and then i'll be back with civilized and enlightened folks.

[pnwmom]

12. Eight years sounds like a lot. Where are you now?

[mrs_p]

19. i'm working

on a dvm/phd degree (7 year program), then need to do a 3 year residency. we still have a house in west seattle and family in the area, so go home ~2x a year

[pnwmom]

20. Hang in there -- and good luck! n/t

[gateley]

17. I recently returned after 8 years away -- man, I missed it! Hang in there! nt

[Madrone]

13. I checked the results first thing upon returning home from work.

I am SO happy. I was worried, and it ain't over yet but.... :D

[knowbody0]

14. Mike Webb would be so proud!

[patrice]

15. I think I'd like to migrate to WA and I'm not even GLBT.

[gateley]

18. Make sure it's Western Washington. :-) nt

[stevedeshazer]

16. Thanks, neighbors! +1

Steve in Oregon

[MissB]

21. I am so happy for my bro and his partner

As well as all the other GLBT people in WA.