NEWS FLASH

Washington Pursues Marriage Equality In 2012 | In 2009, Washington voters approved an “everything but marriage” same-sex domestic partnership law, but this year activists are ready to “take the final step” and pass full marriage equality. A new coalition of civil rights groups called Washington United for Marriage launches this week to encourage state legislators to approve same-sex marriage legislation. A group of Democratic lawmakers has committed to introducing and advancing the legislation and Democrats have majorities in both chambers. Nevertheless, a difficult budget and some socially conservative Democrats still present a challenge to the bill’s advancement.