Efforts to repeal Washington state’s gay marriage law have cleared a hurdle—language was finalized. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Thomas McPhee ruled Tuesday “redefine marriage” cannot be included in Referendum 74, according to The Advocate and Associated Press.
Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the state’s marriage equality bill in February
Both sides objected to the phrase. Marriage equality supporters called Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna’s original wording—“would redefine marriage to allow same-sex couples to marry”— a loaded term.
Preserve Marriage Washington began collecting signatures Wednesday. The law, which Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed in February, takes effect June 7. It’s on hold pending referendum results. Opponents must have 120,600 signatures by June 6.
Photo: wash.gov
