Four leading Washington state
newspapers have endorsed Referendum 74, the ballot initiative which
would uphold a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers.
The Spokesman Review, the
Seattle Times, the Columbian and the News Tribune
have endorsed the measure in recent days.
The editorial board of the Walla
Walla Bulletin also endorsed the measure on Thursday, September
13.
“Domestic partnership was falling
short,” the
paper wrote. “The language used does matter. Calling gay
relationships domestic partnerships gives the impression the couple
isn't as committed to each other as married couples would be.”
“A committed, long-term legal
relationship is a marriage regardless of what you call it.”
“Quite simply, there is no government
interest in limiting marriage to a man and a woman,” the Spokesman
Review wrote. “Some critics say this special right is
justified because government needs to promote the production of
children. Yet, such couples can get married whether they have
children or not. Many same-sex couples do raise children. …
Ultimately, marriage is a personal decision and should be treated as
such.”
“The law behind R-74 moves same-sex
marriage from a legal contract to a covenant,” the Seattle Times
wrote. “Two people in love are empowered with the rights, duties
and responsibilities to build a life together as a married couple.”
A
social media campaign launched by the Times goes a step
further by calling on supporters to submit photos of themselves
holding “I do” signs in support of Referendum 74.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) wrote
about the op-eds in a
blog post.