Ask your State Representative to Support Marriage Equality Before Next Week's Vote!
On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, the Washington Senate passed a marriage equality bill -- the first time in Washington history that an equality bill has passed in either chamber of the legislature.
But, things are developing fast. Next week, the equality bill is up for a vote in the House, and your representative needs to hear from you. They value your voice and opinion, and telling your story is important to make sure they do the right thing and stand on the side of equality.
We can't let up. Not yet.
Please share your message with your legislator -- about you, your family and why you support marriage for all Washingtonians, regardless of who they love.
The time is NOW to Let Your Elected Leaders Know YOU Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice your story It is important to make sure your legislators and the Governor know you support marriage equality. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry. Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
Ask your State Senator to Support Marriage Equality Before Wednesday's Vote!
The momentum for marriage equality is on our side in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you, before the full Senate votes Wednesday evening. They value your voice and opinion, and telling your story is important to make sure they do the right thing and stand on the side of equality.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage for all Washingtonians, regardless of who they love.
The time is NOW to Let Your Elected Leaders Know YOU Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice your story It is important to make sure your legislators and the Governor know you support marriage equality. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry. Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
The time is NOW to Let Your Elected Leaders Know YOU Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice your story It is important to make sure your legislators and the Governor know you support marriage equality. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry. Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
The Holiday Season is the Perfect Time to Let Your Elected Leaders Know You Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice and your story. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can share what marriage has meant in your own life and you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry.
Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
The time is NOW to Let Your Elected Leaders Know YOU Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice your story It is important to make sure your legislators and the Governor know you support marriage equality. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry. Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
The time is NOW to Let Your Elected Leaders Know YOU Support Marriage Equality.
The momentum for marriage equality growing in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice your story It is important to make sure your legislators and the Governor know you support marriage equality. Everybody has a story to tell about why marriage matters.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage equality. If you are a straight ally you can talk about friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members who are LGBT and what it would mean to you if these families could legally marry. Remember your elected leaders will not know the depth of support for marriage equality unless we share our stories AND ask our social networks to do the same. It’s time for the state to issue marriage licenses to loving committed couples who already freely accept the responsibility for their families without the dignity and protection civil marriage would provide.And while we understand that this is an emotional issue, let us always be respectful in our work. We must encourage those who are not already supportive of marriage equality to continue the conversation.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
The time is NOW to pass Marriage Equality in Washington
The momentum for marriage equality is on our side in Washington State and your legislators need to hear from you. They value your voice and opinion, and telling your story is important to make sure they do the right thing and stand on the side of equality.
Polls show that a majority of Washingtonians support marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. Making your voice heard and sending a letter to your legislators and Governor Gregoire will help make the case that now is the time to enact marriage equality.
Your message will be most effective if you can share a bit about you, your family and why you support marriage for all Washingtonians, regardless of who they love.
To read the Washington State Faith Leaders' Declaration of Support for Marriage Equality, click here.
If you are a clergy person or lay leader and would like to sign the Faith Leaders' Declaration of Support for Marriage Equality, please use the registration page below.
The declaration and list of signers will be made public, made available on the Internet and in print. The address, phone numbers and e-mail of of houses of worship, clergy and organizations will not be made publicly available.
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act, enacted in 1996, mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couples, selectively depriving them of the 1,138+ protections and responsibilities that marriage triggers at the federal level. DOMA stigmatizes people by dividing married Americans into two classes. Unlike different-sex married couples, same-sex married couples are denied such important protections as Social Security survivor benefits, immigration rights, family and medical leave, and the ability to pool resources as a family without unfair taxation.
The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced on March 16, 2011 in the Senate by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and in the House by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The bill would repeal DOMA, and return the federal government to its longstanding practice of honoring marriage without a “gay exception.”
Both of Washington State's Senator's, and all but one of our State Representatives (Congressman Norm Dicks of the 6th Congressional District) have co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act.
Enter your zip code below to send a message to your U.S. elected official letting them know you support the repeal of DOMA and passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act, enacted in 1996, mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couples, selectively depriving them of the 1,138+ protections and responsibilities that marriage triggers at the federal level. DOMA stigmatizes people by dividing married Americans into two classes. Unlike different-sex married couples, same-sex married couples are denied such important protections as Social Security survivor benefits, immigration rights, family and medical leave, and the ability to pool resources as a family without unfair taxation.
The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced on March 16, 2011 in the Senate by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and in the House by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The bill would repeal DOMA, and return the federal government to its longstanding practice of honoring marriage without a “gay exception.”
Both of Washington State's Senator's, and all but one of our State Representatives have co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act.
Enter your zip code below to send a message to your U.S. elected official letting them know you support the repeal of DOMA and support their positions on the Respect for Marriage Act.
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act, enacted in 1996, mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couples, selectively depriving them of the 1,138+ protections and responsibilities that marriage triggers at the federal level. DOMA stigmatizes people by dividing married Americans into two classes. Unlike different-sex married couples, same-sex married couples are denied such important protections as Social Security survivor benefits, immigration rights, family and medical leave, and the ability to pool resources as a family without unfair taxation.
The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced on March 16, 2011 in the Senate by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and in the House by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The bill would repeal DOMA, and return the federal government to its longstanding practice of honoring marriage without a “gay exception.”
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
If the system does not find your street address because you have a P.O. Box or rural address, please re-enter using your 9-digit zip code at the next window. Use this link to find your 9-digit zip
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
The House and Senate have passed the Uniform Parentage Act HB 1267. It is on its way to the Governor. Please take a moment to thank your legislators who voted for the bill and let the Governor know you support the UPA. Please note if you live in the 49th district, recently appointed Rep. Sharon Wylie voted for the bill but is not yet in our system which is why she does not show up.
Please take a moment to let your State Senator know that cutting the State family planning budget is bad healthcare policy and hurts the states bottom line. LGBT individuals and families depend on services funded through the state family planning budget.
The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB 1267, the Uniform Parentage Act, by a vote of 57-41. Unless the State Senate votes on this bill today--April 12, the bill will die today. The radical right is urging a "No" vote on this bill so it is important that you let your Senator know you support HB 1267.
This bill updates the State's "Uniform Parentage Act." While this bill is important to ALL families it is particularly important to LGBT families because the current statute assumes that all children have a mother and a father. The current law does not reflect the realities of Washington State's diverse families. HB 1267 would update the UPA to bring it into conformity with the domestic partnership law. The bill would also allow for compensated surrogacy in Washington State and provide strong protections for surrogates, parents and children.
Please take a moment to let your legislator know you support HB 1267.
The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB 1267, the Uniform Parentage Act, by a vote of 57-41. The bill has now moved out of Senate Rules Commitee, the final step before going to a full floor vote in the Senate. The radical right is urging a "No" vote on this bill so it is important that you let your Senator know you support HB 1267.
This bill updates the State's "Uniform Parentage Act." While this bill is important to ALL families it is particularly important to LGBT families because the current statute assumes that all children have a mother and a father. The current law does not reflect the realities of Washington State's diverse families. HB 1267 would update the UPA to bring it into conformity with the domestic partnership law. The bill would also allow for compensated surrogacy in Washington State and provide provide strong protections for surrogates, parents and children.
Please take a moment to let your legislator know you support HB 1267
Sorry you were not able to attend Equality Day on March 22nd in Olympia? Never fear. We've made it easy to tell your elected State Officials that you believe in what Equality Day stands for!
Representative Marko Liias is sponsoring anti-bullying legislation which follows up on his successful legislation last year to update Washington States' anti-bullying law that was first passed in 2002. This year's legislation would require that suicide prevention be taught in health classes and that a task force be set up to report to the legislature on a number of important issues that are not addressed in current law. The legislation is meant to protect ALL students and its passage is a priority for ERW because so many LGBT students are bullied and because nothing is more tragic than when a young person takes their own life. Not only does it get better but each of us has an obligation to make it better!
The bill passed the House on 3/2. USE this action to thank the House and to let your Senator and Governor know you support the bill.
Great News: The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB 1267 on Monday night by a vote of 57-41. The bill now moves to the Senate. You can still use this action alert to thank the House for passing HB 1267 and to let your Senator know you support HB 1267. This bill updates the State's "Uniform Parentage Act." While this bill is important to ALL families it is particularly important to LGBT families because the current statute assumes that all children have a mother and a father. The current law does not reflect the realities of Washington State's diverse families. HB 1267 would update the UPA to bring it into conformity with the domestic partnership law. The bill would also allow for compensated surrogacy in Washington State while providing protections for surrogates.
Please take a moment to let your legislator know you support HB 1267
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through civil marriage.
Senate Bill 5297, the bill that supports ballot measure reform, has a hearing in the state Senate Government Operations committee on February 10. Sign on to our letter to the committee urging them to pass the bill.
Our state's students need your support again. Last session, you helped us to pass Washington's first comprehensive law to protect students against discrimination. Now, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is considering rules that would roll back the civil rights we fought for and allow Washington School Districts to avoid legal liability for acts of discrimination.
These proposed rules threaten to weaken the law and undermine existing protections. Submit your comment to Randy Dorn, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and tell him not adopt the proposed regulations.
Equal Rights Washington is a member of Rebuilding Our Economic Future, a broad coalition in support of protecting key public services, including HIV Services and Prevention, Basic Health, Civil Rights Enforcement, Education, and family planning care for low-income women. Below is a petition to Governor Gregoire and the legislature in support of finding ways for the state to continue to fund the services the LGBT community needs, even during a budget crisis.
Sign onto the Petition in Support of Marriage Equality
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through marriage.
Yes, please contact me about upcoming volunteer opportunities at Equal Rights Washington. I understand that by registering here, I will be entered onto a list of volunteers for ERW to contact.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through marriage.
Please sign the petition below and ask your friends to do the same. By doing this you will let your elected leaders know that you support marriage equality. By sending this to your friends and family members they will know not only that you support marriage equality, but you will give them an opportunity to engage their social networks in the cause as well. If they have questions, this petition can serve as an important opportunity to start a dialog about the freedom to marry with people you know.
Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social support and recognition, and the legal gateway to protections and responsibilities which are invaluable to the safety and security of every family. Loving and committed couples doing the work of marriage in their everyday lives deserve the choice to make their commitment legal and be protected by law through marriage.
Marriage Provides Protections & Responsibilities. The legal and economic consequences of marriage affect virtually every area of life, from access to health care to parenting and immigration rights, from Social Security benefits to transferring property without adverse tax consequences. These protections are due those who are already shouldering the responsibilities of caring for each other and their families.
Marriage Protects Children & Families. All children deserve the right to insurance coverage, social security, emergency care and inheritance rights no matter who their parents are. All families benefit from the intangible reassurance that comes from knowing that your family is safe and secure.
Marriage is a Matter of Social & Economic Justice. The inequities and the legal and cultural second-class status that exclusion from marriage reinforces affect all gay people, but fall hardest on the poor, the less educated, and the otherwise vulnerable.
Marriage is Part of the American Promise: As defined by the United States Supreme Court, "The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men." Every American deserves fair treatment under the law and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the very rights our country was founded on.
There’s No Substitute for Marriage. While civil unions and domestic partnerships represent significant advances toward recognition of same-sex relationships, they are not a substitute for full and equal marriage.
Marriage Equality is About Civil Marriage, Not Religious Marriage. This is not about forcing any church to perform or extend religious recognition to any marriages it doesn't want to. This is about the right to the civil marriage license issued by the state, which religious groups should not interfere with (just as the state should not interfere with religious ceremonies).
To learn more about the freedom to marry and what you can do to get involved, visit www.freedomtomarry.org
It is outrageous that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people STILL do not have a federal law protecting them from workplace discrimination. In most states it is completely legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Legal, but wrong.
We need everyone to take action now to tell Congress to vote on this bill, once and for all. Equality is on the line for millions of Americans.
Send an email to your Representative and Senators by filling out the form and the button on the right.
