Signed! Washington State becomes 7th in Nation to Uphold Marriage Equality!

With the stroke of a pen, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed legislation that legalizes same-gender marriage in the Evergreen State Monday.

During a signing ceremony, Gregoire got misty eyed as she thanked her two daughters and younger generations for leading the march to equality,”Our children will not have to bend on one knee and say,”will you civil union me,” but can say will you marry me,” said Gregoire.

According to Seattle PI,”Opponents have promised to fight back with a ballot measure that would allow voters to overturn it.” Gregoire said during the ceremony she believes Washington voters will say yes to marriage equality.

According to Reuters, “Several prominent Washington-based companies employing tens of thousands of workers in the state have supported the bill, including Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks. Opponents were led by Catholic bishops and other religious conservatives.”

David Badash over at New Civil Rights Movement reports,”The law will become effective June 7, unless a petition drive is started and by June 6 successfully obtains 120,577 valid signatures asking for a referendum — allowing the voters to vote on marriage equality — for this November’s election.”

Gov. Gregoire has pledged to make an appeal to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) over similar legislation there. The legislation passed the New Jersey senate passed the bill 24-16 Monday. Christie has vowed to veto the bill in his state.

Expect an immediate anti-equality reaction from GOP Presidential candidate Rick “Frothy Mix” Santorum who is in Washington for a rally tonight. According to the Washington Post,”The results of the 2008 caucuses in Washington state suggest that Santorum, who is popular among social conservatives, could have a strong showing March 3.”

“Frothy Mix” will be in Idaho on Tuesday.