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Everyone in America deserves equal treatment under the law regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression including the right to marry the partner of your choice. The ACLU works for equal rights and legal protections against discrimination and harassment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
A photo of the supreme court of the United States by Photo by Ian Hutchinson from Unsplash

FAQ: Washington and the 303 Creative v. Elenis Case

Preliminary guidance on how this decision will impact Washington.

ACLU-WA comment on signing of abortion and gender-affirming care bills into law

Gov. Inslee signed a package of bills that take meaningful steps toward defending health care access

Resources

Marriage Licenses Issued for Same-Sex Couples Beginning December 6

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
On December 6th, one month after Washington voters approved the state’s marriage equality law, same-sex couples in Washington state will be able to apply for marriage licenses.  Washingtonians backed Referendum 74 on Election Day by a margin of 7.4 points.
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Thanks so much!

Published: 
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who have made the campaign to Approve Referendum 74 one of the largest efforts our state has ever seen.
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The ACLU of Washington Goes Purple for LGBT Youth

Published: 
Friday, October 19, 2012
Today is Spirit Day when people across the country wear purple as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying.  
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The Freedom to Marry Hits the Airwaves

Published: 
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Two weeks ago we brought you news about the four states that have marriage-related ballot initiativesthis fall. As the election quickly approaches, each of the campaigns in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington have begun running television ads that highlight the stories of individuals, religious leaders, and community leaders who support the freedom to marry. These ads show the underlying issue at stake this fall – that marriage, both for straight and gay couples, is about building a life with someone and making a commitment to take care of and love one another.
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The 2012 Freedom to Marry Ballot Initiatives: On the Ground in Four Key States

Published: 
Monday, October 1, 2012
Marriage for same-sex couples is on the ballot in four states this November, and it will be a pivotal moment for the LGBT movement. In Maine, Maryland and Washington voters have the opportunity to expand the freedom to marry to same-sex couples; and Minnesota voters could make that state the first ever to defeat a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.  Even a single ballot box win would change the national debate and would reinforce the polls showing growing majorities across the country that support marriage for committed same-sex couples.
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We're Ready to Defend Washington's Marriage Law at the Ballot Box

Published: 
Monday, June 18, 2012
Last February, we cheered and cried with our friends and allies when Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill that grants civil marriage to all loving, committed same-sex couples. But even as we celebrated, we knew that the opponents of marriage equality would continue to fight. Washington law allows the opponents of a piece of legislation to take their case to the voters by gathering enough signatures to place a referendum on the ballot. A “yes” vote on the referendum is a vote to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.  A “no” vote on the referendum is a vote to exclude same-sex couples from marriage."
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Court Approves Fair and Accurate Language for Ballot Title on Marriage Equality Law Referendum

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Thurston County Superior Court judge today approved ballot title language for Referendum 74, a measure that asks voters to approve or reject the law permitting civil marriage for same-sex couples passed by the 2012 Legislature.
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Combating Housing Discrimination: Moving Beyond Narrow Definitions of Families

Published: 
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Two years ago, Michelle DeShane wanted to add her partner Mitch, a transgender man, to the housing voucher she receives to find affordable housing. The local housing authority in Richland refused and told her that the couple did not meet its definition of a “family.” Then it referred the DeShanes to a neighboring housing authority, because, as they were apparently told, that housing authority “accepts everyone – even Martians.”
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Challenge Seeks Accurate Language for Ballot Title on Marriage Equality Law Referendum

Published: 
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington and Legal Voice are representing the League of Women Voters of Washington and Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) Washington State Council in a court challenge to the state Attorney General’s proposed ballot title for Referendum 74.  The measure asks voters to approve or reject the law permitting civil marriage for same-sex couples passed by the 2012 Legislature. The League of Women Voters and PFLAG petition says that the proposed language drafted by the Attorney General for R-74 ballot title is prejudicial, and that the court should require language that accurately describes the referendum. 
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Valentine’s Day Comes Early: Celebrating an Historic Victory for Equality

Published: 
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine’s Day came a day early in Washington state. Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill making Washington the seventh state to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. Our state’s leaders have recognized that the relationships of all loving, committed couples need to be treated with the same respect under state law. Join us in celebrating this historic occasion by raising a toast tonight at 6:00 wherever you are.
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