After crunching numbers throughout the night, Washington United for Marriage (WUM), the broad coalition set up to defend the freedom to marry, have announced that Referendum 74 will be approved by voters.
“This is a clear win,” said WUM campaign manager Zach Silk. “We have run the numbers every which way, and we can now confidently say that we have won. This is an historic day for Washington, an historic day for our country and, most of all, for families across the state who have dreamed of this day and the wedding celebrations to come.”
With 60 percent of the vote counted, R74 already has the support of 65 percenr of King County and is performing well in key Eastern Washington counties. Simply put, it’s now impossible for opponents to overcome the 52-48 percent spread for R74.
Gov. Christine Gregoire, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, faith leaders and Sen. Ed Murray and Reps. Jamie Pedersen and Laurie Jenkins, who spearheaded the legislative marriage battle, joined Washington United for Marriage (WUM) in heralding the certain victory on Referendum 74 and the freedom to marry in Washington State.
Gov. Christine Gregoire said, “Today my heart is full. I couldn’t be more proud that the voters of Washington state have told all of our families that they are equal under the law. Loving, committed couples will now have the right to stand up in front of their friends and families and say I do. Children of those families will no longer have to question why their parent’s love is treated differently. And young people out there wondering about their future have been sent a strong message that it does get better and that they will have the chance to grow up in a Washington that loves them for who they are, not for who they love.”
“Not only does marriage equality strengthen all families, it sends a clear message to many who have felt the sting of discrimination that, ‘You are equal and worthy.’ It is a deep honor to support this important next step in our journey as Americans.” Said Sen. Cheryl Pflug
