Praise: Ed Murray Sponsors Marriage Equality

Washington State Senator Ed Murray was the sponsor of bill 6239 to bring equality to marriage in his state.  There are those who have been crying that their religion is threatened; a quick read of the bill proves this to be a false claim.

Last night the bill passed the State Senate, 28 - 21.  It is expected to easily pass the state assembly next week and be signed into law.

Mr. Murray made comments last night after the vote, as reported by the Boston Globe.

Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, the bill's sponsor, said he knew same-sex marriage "is as contentious as any issue that this body has considered in its history."

Lawmakers who vote against gay marriage "are not, nor should they be accused of bigotry," he said.

"Those of us who support this legislation are not, and we should not be accused of, undermining family life or religious freedom," said Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has spearheaded past gay rights and domestic partnership laws in the state. "Marriage is how society says you are a family."

Murray mentioned his partner of more than 20 years -- Michael Shiosaki -- as he told his Senate colleagues before the vote "regardless of how you vote on this bill, an invitation will be in the mail" to their future wedding.

I'm not as confident that none who voted against equality are not bigots.  Still, I have tremendous respect for Mr. Murray taking the high road.  I would also wish Mr. Murray and Mr. Shiosaki much happiness in their upcoming marriage.