Hundreds Rally At Capitol To Support Gay Civil Rights Bill

Hundreds Rally At Capitol To Support Gay Civil Rights Bill

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Story Published: Jan 23, 2006 at 2:30 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 2:11 AM PDT

By Keith Eldridge

OLYMPIA - Gay civil rights advocates believe this is the week they'll make history. After three decades of trying, an anti-discrimination bill is heading toward passage.

"We've been together 29 years in a committed relationship," said gay partner Jane Abbott Lightly.

Jane and her partner Pete-e have been together for 29 years, and for 29 years, they've been fighting for gay civil rights.

"I think this is just marvelous where we have something like this where we can all come together and the need for equality is so great," said Pete-e Petersen.

Several hundred people jammed the state Capitol steps as the Legislature is on track to finally pass the Gay Civil Rights Bill (HB2661) -- perhaps by the end of the week.

"And thank you for changing the world ensuring all of our citizens are equal under the law," Gov. Gregoire siad.

These folks are standing on the Capitol steps and they hope it's in victory for civil rights. But what they really want to do is be standing on steps across the way. They are the steps of the State Supreme Court.

A decision is due at any day on whether the high court is going to uphold the state's Defense of Marriage Act that recognizes marriage as between a man and a woman.

Opponents of the gay civil rights bill fear it is just paving the way for gay marriage.

"I think it's a little naive to think that the state Supreme Court isn't going to at least see this as a message from the Legislature," said Sen. Brad Benson (R-Spokane).

The governor says no, that they are two separate issues. "This is not about gay marriage. This is about discriminating in employment, housing and financial transactions."

But many of those at the rally believe gay civil rights sets the stage for legalizing gay marriage.

"I do feel it's a building block," Petersen said. "I do feel that it will be the basis upon which the gay marriage law will go through."

The state Senate holds a hearing on the gay civil rights bill Tuesday and could take a vote shortly thereafter. It could be on its way to the governor's office by the end of the week

For More Information:

www.leg.wa.gov. It's House Bill 2661.

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