Gay Marriage Showdown In Seattle

Gay Marriage Showdown In Seattle

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Story Published: Jul 27, 2004 at 1:15 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:32 AM PDT

By Bryan Johnson

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SEATTLE - Tuesday brought a showdown in Seattle over gay marriage.

Washington state law defines marriage as between a man and a woman, but gay couples call that definition old fashioned and unconstitutional.

Last March, gay marriage supporters chanted at the King County Courthouse to get those rights. It didn't work.

The answer was "No" when same sex couples walked into the registrars office looking for a marriage license.

So Tuesday, those couples turned away by bureaucrats asked a judge for help.

Among them were David and Michael Serkin-Poole.

"The love between us doesn't change, our commitment doesn't change," said Serkin-Poole. "Those are hard and fast. Our commitment to our children is in our hearts. But this is an issue of our citizenship."

The man asked to define marriage is Judge William Downing. His courtroom was filled with same-sex couples, and those wearing white ribbons who believe in the sanctity of man woman marriage.

And, of course, the attorneys:

"If it is two adult, caring people who are in the relationship that looks like marriage it is marriage," said Attorney Brad Bagshaw who argued on behalf of gay marriage.

But Steve O'Ban countered: "Your honor, society thrives or withers on the strength of its fundamental institutions, and marriage certainly is a fundamental institution of this society."

To some, this is a case of courts stepping in to God's territory.

"I believe there a greater law than can be established here and that's God's law, sometimes we reject that law and look at man's law," said Pastor Joe Phillips with the Holly Park Community Church.

"No, it's about equality," Serkin-Poole said. "It's about being treated as sub-human."

The judge says they'll have to wait a week to 10 days for his decision. But Judge Downing says he won't duck the issue.

He plans on issuing a comprehensive opinion. But whatever his opinion, both sides say they will appeal if they don't like what he says.

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