Openly gay Washington State Senator Ed
Murray says he's considering sponsoring a gay marriage bill in 2012.
In
remarks Wednesday with National Public Radio (NPR), Murray said
recent passage of a marriage equality law in New York had renewed
momentum in Washington. He added that he and State Representative
Jamie Pedersen, who is also openly gay, are talking with stakeholders
about the possibility.
Murray told the outlet that the measure
faces opposition in the Senate.
“We're probably several votes short
in the Senate.” he said.
Murray and Pedersen have previously
sponsored bills shoring up the state's domestic partnership law. The
latest expansion approved in 2009 gives gay and lesbian couples all
the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Opponents of the law took the issue to
the people, who agreed with lawmakers.
Currently, a Washington law approved in
1998 defines marriage as a heterosexual union. The law's
constitutionality was upheld by the Washington Supreme Court in 2006.
Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire
signed the original 2006 domestic partnership law and its three
expansions. She is expected to seek a third term next year.