Huzzah!
Today is an exciting day! Sites across the blogosphere have united in support of Washington United for Marriage's request send a message of thanks to Governor Gregoire in Washington for her terrific leadership. The Governor successfully ushered the marriage equality bill through the Washington state legislature, which culminated in a successful 55-43 vote in the Washington state house last night, see report here.)
If you missed her press conference announcing the initiative of a few weeks ago, it's above. The Governor beautifully laid out the case that now was the time for Washington to move forward in this historic move to full equality for LGBT families. She relayed her own personal, professional and spiritual journey to the supporter she is today.
At the time of the press conference it was said the senate was a "few votes short" of the needed majority. The Governor beamed confidence saying they'd find them. She was right, it passed very comfortably at 28-21.
Again, as with Governor Cuomo in New York, we see what a difference leadership from the Governor's office can make.
What's exciting to me is this blogswarm is a partnership with Daily Kos, and it's really great of this site to help out Washington United for Marriage on their tasks, and Kos campaign manager Chris Bowers in particular, who was very helpful. The following text is appearing at tons of sites today:
Today I'm participating in a Washington United for Marriage and Daily Kos blog swarm to help support the marriage equality campaign in Washington State. I'm joined by bloggers from Bilerico Project, Pam's House Blend, Good As You, AMERICABlog Gay,the Prop 8 Trial Tracker, the Seattle Lesbian, The Bent Angle, on the-Ave, MadProfessah, HRC, Hella Bus, Horsesass.org, Step Forward, LGBT POV, FrontiersLA, the Left Shue and more.
This has been an incredible week! On Tuesday a three judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional. In the majority opinion, the court wrote,âProp 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California.
On Wednesday, the Washington State House passed a same-sex marriage bill, and now it the bill is headed to Governor Gregoire's desk for her signature. She promised to sign the bill before Valentine's Day!
Please click here to thank Governor Gregoire.
Governor Gregoire's leadership was instrumental to the success of passing a marriage bill in Washington State. She not only supported the bill, but she introduced the bill. This is as much her legislation as it is our community's legislation.
Please join us during this blog swarm to thank Governor Gregoire for her leadership and her friendship. There is little doubt our opponents will make their voices heard, but we know that together our voice for equality is so much stronger.
Please click here to the Washington United for Marriage's and Daily Kos' joint petition to thank Governor Gregoire for making history.
When our friends speak up for us, we need to speak up for our friends, so join us in thanking Governor Gregoire today!
Did you sign the thank you petition? Share it with your friends:
It's here.
The real fight is only just beginning as we know marriage foes will mount a petition campaign to repeal this law at the ballot box.
The Associated Press called the ballot challenge "certain."
It's important to keep the energy and enthusiasm moving.
Take a look at some how of the various blogs implemented the swarm, Karen Ocamb at LGBT|POV included a beautiful album of wedding photos.
And sign the thank you card of course (and Tweet it and post it to your Facebook wall). We will deliver the signatures after the Governor signs the bill into law. Please don't embarrass us by not having a lot of Kossacks on the roll.