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Same-Sex Marriage Sponsor Says Votes Send National Message

If current trends hold, Washington appears headed toward legalizing same-sex marriage. But opponents of Referendum 74 say the vote is still too close to call and they’re not conceding defeat. At this hour, the “pro” side is leading 52 to 48 percent.

State Senator Ed Murray was the chief sponsor of the marriage equality bill in the Washington legislature. He said he's confident the same-sex marriage referendum will pass.

“Well, if you look at the national trend, it looks like a message has been sent, that we are a country that thinks that gay and lesbian couples should have the right to be married.”

Washington state Senator Ed Murray was the chief sponsor of the marriage equality bill in the Washington legislature.
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Washington state Senator Ed Murray was the chief sponsor of the marriage equality bill in the Washington legislature.

Maine and Maryland narrowly approved similar referenda permitting gay marriage. In Minnesota, a constitutional amendment to make marriage only between one man and one woman has failed.

Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network

Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network

Liz Jones/Colin Fogarty