OLYMPIA, Wash. — In a crowded reception room surrounded by applauding lawmakers and gay couples, and with media from around the country looking on, Gov. Christine Gregoire on Monday signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state.
The event brings it in line with six other states and the District of Columbia in allowing gays to marry.
With the signing, Washington also became the first state in the country to strike down a state law specifically limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
Spectators began chanting “thank you” as Gregoire entered the room.
“We are here today to make history in this great state,” she said. “This is a very proud moment. … It’s a day that historians will mark as a milestone for equal rights in this state, a day when we did what was right … just and fair.
“We did it together, Republicans and Democrats, gay and straight, young and old.”
Gregoire, a Democrat, announced in June she would support same-sex marriage, after years of ambivalence.
She recalled her personal journey in reaching the decision, which required her to go against the teachings of her Catholic faith.
Monday’s signing doesn’t mean that same-sex couples in Washington can marry immediately. Changes in the state’s marital law won’t take effect for 90 days, until June 7 — at the earliest.
Opponents of same-sex marriage intended to quickly file a referendum aimed at repealing the law, and if they are able to collect enough valid signatures — 120,577 — between now and June 6, the law will be put on hold until the November election.
