Councilmember Joe McDermott, who sponsored the amendment to add marriage equality to the County’s legislative agenda, praised the 25 lawmakers who have now created a State Senate majority in support of marriage equality in Washington state:

“Today’s announcement moves Washington closer to equal opportunity for gay and lesbian couples. We make history in recognizing that all couples should be treated equally under state law.

“As a Senator I was a proud sponsor of the state’s Domestic Partnership legislation, though marriage was always the goal. I commend my former legislative colleagues for their courageous support.

“As families across King County and the state struggle to find and keep jobs in the Great Recession, there is no better time to provide all families the protections and commitment of marriage.

“I look forward to our family and friends joining Michael, my partner of over 12 years, and I when we marry.”