Fairness for all families via same-sex marriage for Washington

LEGALIZATION of same-sex marriage is the logical next step for Washington state.

Domestic partnerships have broad protection, but the legal framework and outcome of "everything but marriage" is no longer adequate.

Recognize committed relationships — and the families they create — for what they are in society: marriages.

New York's decision to make gay marriage legal is a window on a changing political and social topic a majority of Americans now view as a matter of basic equity and fairness.

Washington lawmakers, led by state Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, championed an incremental approach. Since 2006, laws have given gay couples the legal protections and obligations that go with raising families, running businesses and owning property.

The 2011 Legislature passed House Bill 1649 to recognize the valid legal unions, including marriage, of those moving into the state.

Time has come to take on a 2006 state Supreme Court ruling that narrowly held the state constitution does not guarantee marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Finding a technical fix — through Olympia, the courts or initiative process — is a different task than changing the public's view of the core debate. That's under way.

New York illustrates how the issue has progressed. Elements of the Republican Party might continue to oppose same-sex marriage, but voters have moved on. The GOP has noticed. The legislation passed the Republican-controlled Senate in Albany.

More politicians of all stripes concede the topic touches close to home with family members and friends.

Same-sex marriage is legal in America's heartland and political bellwether, Iowa.

What have the courts said about allowing same-sex couples to wed?

"We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective," in the unanimous opinion of the state Supreme of Court of New York, California or Massachusetts? No, Iowa's high court in 2009.

Marriage is a civil institution that may or may not be blessed by a religious service. The choice falls to those getting married and the unfettered rights of houses of worship. That would not change, and was specifically affirmed in New York's law.

Same-sex marriage is about commitment and families. Time for Washington to replace domestic partnerships with the proper word: marriage.