It was just announced that Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen has become the 25^th member to pledge her support, and the last vote needed, for the marriage equality bill to pass in Washington state.

According to her statement:

“I have very strong Christian beliefs, and personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs. It's not always easy to do that. For me personally, I have always believed in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That is what I believe, to this day.

But this issue isn't about just what I believe. It's about respecting others, including people who may believe differently than I. It's about whether everyone has the same opportunities for love and companionship and family and security that I have enjoyed.

This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor.”

Her decision follows hours of public hearings at which same-sex marriage supporters professed their stories at the state’s capitol on Monday.

The bill was introduced by Gov. Christine Gregoire earlier this month and speedily gained support from Democrats and Republicans, alike.  If all goes according to plan, Washington will be the seventh state, plus the District of Columbia, to legally recognize same-sex marriage.

Photo: washingtonstatewire.com