Catholics urge action against gay marriage

Ahead of today’s House vote on a marriage equality bill, the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle is using its website to urge representatives to defend the legal definition of marriage as being a union between a man and a woman.

The Archdiocese, which represents nearly 1 million Catholics in Western Washington, has an “action alert” on its home page. It asks people to send an email to state representatives urging them to “defend marriage” and to vote against marriage-equality legislation.

The Church believes marriage is the foundation of civilization. “It has long been recognized that the stability of society depends on the stability of family life in which a man and a woman conceive and nurture new life,” according to a statement from Catholic bishops in the state.

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, who is Catholic, admits she struggled with her faith’s teaching before deciding to support same-sex marriage. Gregoire says, “All families in our state that they are equal and that the state cannot be in the business of discrimination.”

Washington United for Marriage, a pro-gay rights organization, says, “People from all walks of life, including gay and lesbian couples, share the same values of love, commitment and family – and a majority of Washingtonians support these couples getting married and building their families.”

The bill legally recognizing same-sex marriages goes to a vote in the House at 1 p.m. After a floor debate, the majority of representatives are expected to pass the legislation. The Senate has already approved a marriage-equality bill on a 28 to 21 vote. The Governor has said she will sign the legislation within five business days of the House passage.

Gay and lesbian couples would then be able to wed beginning in June, unless opponents follow through with enough valid signatures to force a public vote in November.

Gov. Chris Gregoire on Jan. 4, 2012, announcing she wants Washington to become the seventh state to make gay marriage legal. (AP Photo)

By Linda Thomas

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