First, Gov. Chris Gregoire came out in favor of legalizing gay marriage. Now a state lawmaker from Mercer Island, Steve Litzow, has become the first Republican in the Senate to take a bold stance. Check out the Seattle Times editorial commending his decision.
No doubt, the Legislature convening Monday will be consumed with budget woes and other weighty issues. But do not listen to those who say there is no time to do right by gay and lesbian couples. If other lawmakers come to the same reasonable conclusion as Litzow, Washington will become the seventh state in the country to act on an important civil rights issue.
Litzow's announcement makes him a leader. Others should listen carefully to what he has to say -- and then follow.