Washington state Representative Maureen Walsh stars in a new ad for Referendum 74, the ballot measure which will ask voters in November to uphold – or reject – a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers.

In the 30-second ad released Monday by Washington United for Marriage, the coalition of groups working to approve the referendum, Walsh, one of only two Republicans who voted for the marriage reform, says her late husband was the love of her life.

“He died six years ago. And I miss him every day,” Walsh says. “I think to myself how can I deny any couple – whether they are gay or straight – that incredible bond of marriage?”

“Allowing marriage for same-sex couples is a question of fundamental fairness,” she says.

“As a Republican, I don't believe the government should tell anybody who they can or cannot marry,” she adds. (The video is embedded on this page. Visit our video library for more videos.)

(Related: Gay marriage referendum in Washington tightens; supporters lead.)