Dueling signature-gathering campaigns to repeal Washington state’s gay marriage law are confusing voters, according to gayapolis.com. One group is campaigning for Referendum 74—defining “traditional marriage as being between a man and woman”—which rejects Senate Bill 6239 (the historical bill which was signed into law legalizing marriage equality in the state of Washington). Another similar push, Initiative 1192, would overturn SB 6239, by enacting a new law specifying marriage is a “civil contract between (a male) one man and (a female) one woman.”
With that said, a failed repeal effort would be the greatest outcome. The law’s efficacy and legitimacy would not only be challenged, but tarnished.
Archbishop J. Peter Sartain has given Referendum 74 plenty of publicity, the News-Tribune writes. Sartain has encouraged his western Washington Roman Catholic parishes to gather signatures. The move puts parishes on politically thin ice, since such campaigning jeopardizes their tax exempt status.
Some citizens are unclear what signing a petition would accomplish. Long story short: Signing a petition advocates putting marriage equality up for a vote in November. However, the unclear definitions of “rejected” and “approved” could lead to repealing or affirming marriage equality.
Additionally, Initiative 1192 doesn’t just concern itself with gay marriage. It makes sure all its “marriage” bases are covered, according to the initiative.
“(2) It is unlawful for any man to marry his father’s sister, mother’s sister, daughter, sister, son’s daughter, daughter’s daughter, brother’s daughter or sister’s daughter; it is unlawful for any woman to marry her father’s brother, mother’s brother, son, brother, son’s son, daughter’s son, brother’s son or sister’s son.”
Everett, Wash. lawyer Stephen Pidgeon sponsored Initiative 1192. The Olympian reports more than 241,000 signatures are needed by July 6 for the question to land on the ballot. Referendum 74 backers must gather nearly 121,600 valid signatures by June 6.
Photo: wa.gov
