Democracies are defined by equal rights and privileges in which the power of the government is vested in the people — and the people of Washington are exercising their democratic power in the fight for legalization of gay marriage.
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen cast the 25th and deciding vote Monday in the Washington Senate to pass a bill that supports gay marriage. The legislation is expected to pass in the House and will then appear on a statewide ballot.
If the bill is passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples will be able to get married in Washington starting in June. However, opponents to gay marriage have already stated they will file a referendum against the bill if it is passed.
Six other states have already legalized gay marriage, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa and the District of Columbia. Gay marriage is an issue that continues to increase in prominence and as Washington becomes the seventh state to legalize gay marriage, it is likely the issue will appear on other states’ ballots — including, one day, Idaho.
It’s clear to anyone familiar with the demographics of Idaho that it will be one of the last states to approve the legalization of gay marriage. But that does not mean the efforts of gay marriage proponents are pointless.
Differing opinions and the ability to express those viewpoints emphasize the beauty of democracy.
Proponents of gay marriage argue on behalf of social equality, while opponents cite religious beliefs and personal morality as reasons against legalization. As with any important social issue, people need to educate and inform themselves of the facts before taking a stance.
Regardless of the personal values and beliefs that have led you to an opinion, you should continue to be informed about states like Washington and the reasons people choose to legalize gay marriage, because eventually it will reach Idaho.