Washington Senate Approves Gay Marriage Bill

[Ms Tree]

Wash State

Senators in Washington late Wednesday approved a bill that would make the state the seventh to legalize gay marriage.

The Senate voted on the bill after less than an hour of debate and the chamber erupted in cheers when the 28 to 21 tally was announced.

Democrats fought back an amendment supported by Republicans that would have expanded the bill's religious protections to include private businesses and individuals and another that would have put the measure up for a public vote.

The measure now heads to the House, where supporters outnumber opponents. Governor Chris Gregoire has said she will sign the bill.

Opponents of marriage equality have vowed to challenge the law with a referendum.

Washington currently recognizes gay and lesbian couples with domestic partnerships.

Amazon support

Amazon Joins Starbucks, Google, Microsoft In Supporting Gay Marriage
By On Top Magazine Staff
Published: February 03, 2012

Internet retailer Amazon on Wednesday became the latest high-profile Washington-based company to endorse an effort to legalize gay marriage in the state, the Seattle Times reported.

“Amazon is joining other Pacific Northwest companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in support of Washington state's marriage equality bills,” Amazon said in a statement. “The spirit of these bills is consistent with our longstanding employment practices.”

Let the boycotts begin. Hee hee hee