By Lornet Turnbull, The Seattle Times –
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Surrounded by applauding gay couples and with media from around the country looking on, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Monday signed landmark legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state.
The historic event brings Washington in line with six other states and the District of Columbia, which allow gays to marry.
“This is a very proud moment,” Gregoire said.
In January, Gregoire announced she would support same-sex marriage, after years of ambivalence. She recalled her personal journey in reaching that 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.
Those details, however, seemed far from the minds of couples who were here for Monday’s event.
Among them were Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen, a lesbian couple from Seattle, who spent the first half of their 35 years together hiding from others their true feelings for one another.
Seven years ago, as part of their coming-out journey, the women held a ceremony at Seattle First Baptist Church where, in the presence of 150 friends, each pledged to be the other’s partner for life.
In the ensuing years, as same-sex marriage was becoming legal elsewhere, the women thought about going to Canada to officially marry — but instead chose to wait. When they finally did marry, they said, they wanted it to be in Washington.
“We feel very strongly about that,” said Petersen, 84. “We love this state, and we love this city. And what has happened on our journey here is most wonderful.”
“We still pinch ourselves,” said Lighty, 76.
