We have few occasions in life to be witness to extraordinary history. This is one of those days. Today same-sex couples in Washington are getting married under a law approved by the voters. For the first time in the United States, their marriage is legal not because of actions by legislatures or courts but because their equal rights were affirmed by their peers across the state at the ballot box. That shift is momentous and one of which I am incredibly proud.
On election night I was overcome by emotion as I took the stage for a celebration of our state's same-sex marriage efforts. I looked out over a crowd of several thousand who had fought so hard for this moment. They were young and old, families and couples, military members past and present, businesspeople and public servants, of all races and all backgrounds, and for the first time marriage equality was within their reach. It was the most memorable moments in my 20 years in elected office.
Like any journey, ours was one of a million steps by thousands of everyday people. Nearly 25 years ago Washington elected the first openly gay member of our legislature, Cal Anderson. Today, 17 years after his death, Cal's dream has been realized. We stand on his shoulders and the shoulders of so many who brought us to this point.
In Seattle the first couple to receive their marriage license had been together for 35 years. Today, after a very long engagement, they are getting married. Across Washington similar stories abound. Hundreds stood in line overnight so that they would not have to wait a moment longer for the rights they deserve. Within the first 24 hours more than 800 same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses.
Just as importantly, the voters have told all our families that they are equal under the law. They told the children of same-sex families that their parents' love is not different. To the parents who have fought so fiercely for the rights of their much-loved gay and lesbian children, Washington said they, too, will someday witness their son's or daughter's wedding. And we told the young people out there who are wondering about their future that it does in fact get better, that they will have the chance to grow up in a state that loves and values them for who they are, not for whom they love.
As my own daughters taught me, this is indeed the civil rights issue of our time. There will come a time when, across our country, the ability to marry the person you love will not be an issue. Future generations will look back and wonder why we ever denied this basic human right. We can't rest until that moment. I will be with you every step of the way.
Amy Andrews, right, wears a veil while kissing her partner, Jeri Andrews, while waiting to be among the first to be issued a marriage licenses to a same-sex couple, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, in Seattle. Amy wore the same veil during a symbolic, though not legal, marriage ceremony the couple had in 2011.
Couples wait outside of the King County Recorder's Office in Seattle.
Amanda Dollente, left, and her partner, Kelly Middleton, both of Auburn, Wash., display their "No. 1" ticket as first in line to be issued a marriage license to a same-sex couple in Seattle.
Patt Pope, center, reads while waiting in line outside of the King County Recorder's Office as Joy and Jenn McKenna kiss on December 5, 2012 in Seattle.
Melody Platt, left, and her partner Beratta Gomillion wait among the first couples in line to be issued a marriage license to a same-sex couple in Seattle. The couple are planning on getting married on their 32nd anniversary, Monday Dec. 12.
Deb Dulaney, left, watches as her partner, Diane McGee, fills out paperwork for their marriage license at the Thurston County Auditor's office at the courthouse, on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Olympia.
Jeannine Godfrey, left, and Katharine Tossey, right, hold their marriage license at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia.
Ashley Cavner, left, and Jessica Lee, both of Vancouver, Wash. are among the first same-sex couples getting marriage licenses.
Lyle Martin, left, and Oday Phimmasone apply for a marriage license at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle, Washington.
Jocelyn Guzman, left, and Shawn Sanders, kiss as they are among the first same-sex couples getting marriage licenses Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Vancouver, Wash. The couple drove down from Anchorage, Alaska, to be among the first in Clark County to get the license.
Jane Abbott Lighty, left, and Pete-e Petersen embrace after receiving the first same-sex marriage license in Washington state at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle, Washington.
James Griener, left, and Paul Harris finish their paper work to get a marriage license at Vancouver's Public Service Center on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Vancouver, Wash. Harris is a manager in the records department and arranged that the pair, who have been together for 39 years, could be first to get the paper work that will allow them to marry anytime after a three-day waiting period.
Laurie Johnson and Margaret Witt celebrate attaining their marriage license on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at the Spokane County Courthouse in Spokane, Wash.
Bret Goodwin, right, kisses his partner Andy Goodwin in the lobby of the King County Administration Building shortly after the couple received one of the first same-sex marriage licenses issued in the state early Thursday morning, Dec. 6, 2012, in Seattle.
Claudia Gorbman, left, and partner Pam Keeley wear caps both reading "bride" as they display their newly-issued marriage license, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Seattle.
King County Executive Dow Constantine, right , leads a cheer as the clock strikes midnight and he can begin to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples lined-up, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Seattle.
Brendon K. Taga, left, and partner Jesse Page display their marriage license issued by King County Executive Dow Constantine, right, just after midnight, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Seattle. Taga and Page were second in line.
Brendon K. Taga, left, and Jesse Pageat were the second couple to receive a same-sex marriage license in Washington state, at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle.
Just after 3:00 a.m., Corrinalyn and Jennifer Guyette apply for a marriage license at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. 'It was so great,' said Corrinalyn. The two have been together for six years.
Several of the first couples to receive same-sex marriage licenses in Washington state pose with King County Executive Dow Constantine (top right), who signed their licenses, at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle.
The first couples to receive marriage licenses in Washington state pose with King County Executive Dow Constantine, who signed their licenses, during a short ceremony at the King County Recorder's Office on December 6, 2012 in Seattle.
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