Opponents of same-sex marriage have conceded, saying it appears that Referendum 74 will pass.
By Lornet Turnbull, Seattle Times
After wiping away tears of joy as same-sex-marriage supporters on Wednesday claimed victory for Referendum 74, Jodi Denny of Seattle listens to questions at a news conference in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
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By Lornet Turnbull, Seattle Times
After wiping away tears of joy as same-sex-marriage supporters on Wednesday claimed victory for Referendum 74, Jodi Denny of Seattle listens to questions at a news conference in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Opponents of same-sex marriage have conceded, saying it appears that Referendum 74 will pass.
Approval of the measure will make Washington the ninth state to allow gay marriage and the third to do so this week. Same-sex marriage is also legal in the District of Columbia.
"With added results showing that we have not closed the gap, it now appears clear that Referendum 74 will be narrowly approved," said Joseph Backholm, chairman of Preserve Marriage Washington, which worked to defeat the measure.
"We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin. But while we are disappointed, we are not defeated."
After crunching their own numbers, backers of the measure on Wednesday declared victory.
Backholm pointed out that Washington is a very liberal state and one of the most secular in the country. He said the polling indicated 80 percent of "unchurched" voters approved of Referendum 74.
Their opponents, he said, had a substantial financial advantage and outspent his campaign by $10 million.
Approval of the measure will make Washington the ninth state to allow gay marriage and the third to do so this week. Same-sex marriage is also legal in the District of Columbia.
"With added results showing that we have not closed the gap, it now appears clear that Referendum 74 will be narrowly approved," said Joseph Backholm, chairman of Preserve Marriage Washington, which worked to defeat the measure.
"We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin. But while we are disappointed, we are not defeated."
After crunching their own numbers, backers of the measure on Wednesday declared victory.
Backholm pointed out that Washington is a very liberal state and one of the most secular in the country. He said the polling indicated 80 percent of "unchurched" voters approved of Referendum 74.
Their opponents, he said, had a substantial financial advantage and outspent his campaign by $10 million.
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