Voters approve gay marriage, opponents concede defeat

Washington state has approved gay marriage, joining Maine and Maryland as the first states to pass same-sex marriage by popular vote. Opponents of Referendum 74 conceded defeat and acknowledged the measure will pass.

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“We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin. But while we are disappointed, we are not defeated. We are fighting for a cause that is true, and beautiful, and right—the sacred institution of marriage. It’s a cause worth fighting for, and we will continue to educate citizens and policymakers on the timeless truth that real marriage is the union of one man and one woman,” said Joseph Backholm, Chairman of Preserve Marriage Washington, in a statement.

“We knew this was not going to be an easy fight. Washington is a deep blue state and one of the most secular states in the country. Washington has a very high percentage of voters who never attend church, and polling showed that 80 percent of unchurched voters approved of Referendum 74. On top of that, our opponents had a giant financial advantage, outspending us by $10 million, so the odds became even more difficult,” he said.

The concession comes a day after supporters of gay marriage declared victory on Referendum 74, which asked people to approve or reject a law legalizing same-sex marriage that state lawmakers passed earlier this year. That measure was signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire, but it was on hold pending the outcome of Tuesday’s election and has never taken effect.

“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,” said Zach Silk, Washington United for Marriage campaign manager.

“From the beginning, this campaign told the stories of loving couples and their families who simply want to get married. All of us, from our volunteers, to our staff to the nearly 20,000 donors who invested in the freedom to marry, are enormously grateful to the voters of Washington State. Yes, we made history, but more importantly, we helped protect and defend thousands of families across the state.”

Silk sounded a conciliatory note in his statement.

“We have always understood that there are good people on the other side of this issue. Yet, we remain confident that once people see how much marriage matters to families, they will realize that the love and commitment that marriage embodies only strengthens families, neighborhoods and communities.”

On Thursday night, R-74 was passing with 53 percent of the vote.

“This ends years of injustice against gay and lesbian couples imposed by the state’s Defense of Marriage Act. Washington again has returned to its roots — fairness and tolerance,” said Senator Ed Murray (D-Seattle), a lead sponsor of the measure.

“In upcoming days when thousands of loving, committed gay and lesbian couples begin to marry and the sky does not fall, it will be a moment of healing for Washington State. I am optimistic that over time even many of our opponents will realize how important family is to gay and lesbian couples.”

Governor Gregoire called it a historic day. “I am proud that our LGBT families will no longer be treated as separate but equal, they will be equal,” she said in a statement.

“This is a day that historians will look back on as a turning point for equality. It is a day I will look back on as Washington state leading the nation. And it is a day that I will carry with me forever.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county will begin issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples starting Dec. 6. Because of a three- day waiting period, same-sex couples will be able to wed as early as Dec. 9.

Voters passed similar measures in Maine and Maryland.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.