What is referendum 74

Jump to navigation Skip navigation. Voters in three states — Maine, Maryland, and Washington — have the opportunity to be the first to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry, and voters in Minnesota can be the first to defeat a hurtful constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples. Washingtoninans can start sending in their ballots to Approve Referendum 74 and secure the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples.

In February of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed SB , an historic bill granting civil marriage to gay and lesbian couples in the state.

Play Live Radio. Next Up:. Available On Air Stations. All Streams. Washington counties brace for same-sex marriage rush. Gabriel Spitzer. The King County…. SB was supported by Gov. Christine Gregoire. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Ed Murray D and Rep.

Jamie Pedersen D , provided "equal protection for all families in Washington by creating equality in civil marriage and changing the domestic partnership laws, while protecting religious freedom. The bill received final passage by the Washington House of Representatives on February 9, by a vote of Election results via Washington Secretary of State's website.

Supporters of the referendum, however, contested that. According to reports, McPhee's ruling was final and could be appealed. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. The following is information obtained from the supporting side of the legislative bill, or those who will be checking Approved on the ballot box in November :.

The following are arguments that were made for the measure in the "Arguments for" portion of the state voter guide:. The following is information obtained from the opposing side of the legislative bill, or those who will be checking Rejected on the ballot box in November :. Those signatures needed to be turned in by June 6, Ballot language was finalized in March , allowing the measure to begin circulation. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force contributed staff resources and training to the marriage equality efforts in Washington.

This is a tremendous victory for Washingtonians. It affirms what millions of people across the country already know — loving, committed same-sex couples and their families should be able to join in the celebration and responsibilities of marriage, just as their friends, family, neighbors and colleagues already do.