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Washington Same-Sex Marriage Veto Referendum, Referendum 74 (2012)
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The proposed measure would ask voters if same-sex marriage should be legalized in the state of Washington.
Opponents of a legislative bill - Senate Bill 6239 (and HB 2516, its counterpart in the state House) - that would legalize same-sex marriage argue that the question should be put to a public vote.[2]
The proposal was filed with the Washington Secretary of State within a few hours after the state governor signe SB 6239 into a law.
SB 6239 is supported by Gov. Christine Gregoire. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Ed Murray (D) and Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D), provides "equal protection for all families in Washington by creating equality in civil marriage and changing the domestic partnership laws, while protecting religious freedom."[3][4] On February 1, 2012 the Washington State Senate voted 28-21 in favor of the proposed bill.[5]
The bill received final passage by the Washington House of Representatives on February 9, 2012 by a vote of 55-43.[6]
Text of measure
On March 13, 2012 Thurston County Superior Court Judge Thomas McPhee ruled that the proposed referendum's language would not include the words "redefine marriage." Supporters of the targeted bill, SB 6239, stated that they their proposal did not "redefine" marriage. Supporters of the referendum, however, contested that. According to reports McPhee's ruling is final and cannot be appealed.[7]
Ballot summary
"This bill allows same-sex couples to marry, applies marriage laws without regard to gender, and specifies that laws using gender-specific terms like husband and wife include same-sex spouses. After 2014, existing domestic partnership are converted to marriages, except for seniors. It preserves the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform or recognize any marriage or accommodate wedding ceremonies. The bill does not affect licensing of religious organizations providing adoption, foster-care, or child-placement."[8]
Support
- Opponents of the bill, therefore supporters of the referendum, including Christopher Plante of the National Organization for Marriage and Joseph Backholm of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, urged lawmakers to put the issue to a popular vote.[9] Ken Hutcherson of the Kirkland, WA Antioch Baptist Church has become the spokesperson for The Stand for Marriage Coalition, and indicated that if the law passes, the group will begin to gather signatures to put a referendum on the ballot to overturn the law this fall.[10]
- According to Chuck Whitfield, co-owner of Whitfield's United Insurance Agencies, Inc., and member of the organized petition effort: "Our society is based on that premise. It's for procreation. It's the basic structure to society, to pass our values and beliefs on to other generations -- and it's under attack. Personally, I do not believe it's good for society to have same-sex marriage," said Whitfield, who describes himself as a conservative Christian."[11]
- The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle has given its support to the repeal effort.[12] In a letter to parishioners, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain explains that parish pastors will begin collecting signatures after Easter. Archbishop Sartain cites seven points in support of repeal: (1) that the weighty issue should be placed before voters, (2) that civil unions already grant protections to same-sex couples, (3) that the procreative element of marriage is intrinsic to the institution, (4) that the Church's call to chastity does not single out homosexuals, (5) that prohibiting same-sex marriage does not constitute unjust discrimination, (6) that traditional marriage plays a key role in the common good, and (7) that prohibiting same-sex marriage does not contradict the equal dignity and worth of all persons. The full letter can be found here.
Opposition
The following is information obtained from the opposing side of the referendum, therefore supporters of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the state:
- Pastors of at least three prominent Catholic churches in Seattle notified church members that the petitions would not be made available at those places. According to reports, the churches were St. Mary's Church, St. Joseph Parish and St. James Cathedral. The St. James' website cited Rev. Michael G. Ryan, who stated that the petitions would "prove hurtful and seriously divisive in our community. In saying this, I do realize that there are some who will be disappointed with this decision."[13]
Path to the ballot
- See also: Washington signature requirements
In order to qualify for the ballot, veto referendum petitions require signatures equal to 4% of the votes cast for the office of governor.
Ballot language was finalized in March 2012, allowing the measure to begin circulation.
Once a Referendum Measure is certified (sufficient signatures have been filed and certified as valid), it is placed on the next state general election ballot for the voters to decide. A "Yes" vote approves the law as passed by the Legislature. A "No" vote rejects it.
Opponents of the bill have until June 6, 2012 to collect at least 120,577 signatures to put the referendum on the November 2012 ballot
As of April 9, 2012, it was reported that proponents of the referendum had collected about 5,680 signatures.[14]
Then on May 9, 2012, the group had stated that it had collected 70,000 signatures.[15]
See also
Related measures
- Washington Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities, Referendum 71 (2009)
- Washington "Definition of Marriage" Initiative (2012)
Additional reading
- Washington Secretary of State: From Our Corner,"Nearly 10,000 domestic partnerships registered in WA," February 2, 2012
- Associated Press,"Ballot challenge certain for WA gay marriage bill," February 2, 2012
- Associated Press,"House panel OKs bill to legalize gay marriage; Senate vote soon," January 30, 2012
References
- ↑ King5.com, "Referendum on Washington gay marriage law is R-74", February 14, 2012
- ↑ GoPride.com,"Gay marriage bill clears Washington Senate panel," January 27, 2012
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Text of Senate Bill 6239," retrieved January 24, 2012
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Text of House Bill 2516," retrieved January 24, 2012
- ↑ The Seattle Times,"Historic Senate vote clears way for gay marriage in state," February 1, 2012
- ↑ Reuters.com, "A bill to legalize gay marriage in Washington state won final legislative approval", February 8, 2012
- ↑ The Seattle Times, "Ballot wording finalized for Referendum 74", March 27, 2012
- ↑ The Olympian, "Judge frees gay marriage referendum for signatures", March 13, 2012
- ↑ The New American, "Washington state Governor puts "gay" marriage on fast track," January 9, 2012
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Same-sex marriage has the votes to pass in Washington," January 23, 2012
- ↑ Herald Net, "Gay marriage opponents not afraid to gather signatures", March 25, 2012
- ↑ Seattle PI, "Catholic bishops bless gay marriage rollback," April 5, 2012
- ↑ Seattle Times, "Several priests shut church door to petitions to block gay marriage", April 13, 2012
- ↑ Advocate.com, "Slow Start for Marriage Equality Repeal Effort in Washington", April 9, 2012
- ↑ Herald Net.com, "Gay marriage opponents closer to qualifying R-74", May 9, 2012
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