­­­­­RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR ALL

WHEREAS under current Washington state law gay citizens are denied the right to same-sex marriage, and unable to enjoy the complete legal benefits of marriage afforded to heterosexual couples; and

WHEREAS Washington Governor Christine Gregoire has said she plans to introduce legislation allowing same-sex marriages in the state of Washington; and ­­­­­

WHEREAS six other states and the District of Columbia have legalized same sex marriage; and

WHEREAS the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that marriage is one of the "basic civil rights…fundamental to our very existence and survival,” and has not restricted that right by sexual orientation or gender identity; and

WHEREAS gay citizens are taxpayers, fight in our wars, teach in our schools, work in our hospitals, and serve in every part of society; and

WHEREAS the 5^th Legislative District Democrats have a long history of supporting the advancement of civil rights and equality for all;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 5^th Legislative District Democrats call on our state legislators and our Washington State Congressional Delegation to recognize all gay marriages as equal with all citizens’ marriages;  and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 5^th Legislative District Democrats join the growing coalition of organizations calling upon the State Legislature to end marriage discrimination by supporting Governor Gregoire’s proposed legislation to legalize gay marriage in the State of Washington.