ACLU SUES WASH. STATE OVER SSM: Press release

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington today filed a lawsuit against the state officials challenging the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples.

The lawsuit was filed in Thurston County Superior Court on behalf of 11 couples from across the state who wish to marry in Washington or to have their marriage recognized under Washington law. Plaintiffs include a police officer, a firefighter, a banker, a nurse, a retired judge, a college professor, a business executive, and others. They reside from Seattle to Spokane and from Friday Harbor to Hoquiam.

"Same-sex couples who have formed families are being discriminated against solely because of their gender," said Kathleen Taylor, Executive Director of the ACLU of Washington. "Two adults who wish to enter into a life-long commitment to each other should be eligible for the legal rights of marriage, regardless of their same gender. It is a matter of basic fairness and equality."

"Washington has long acknowledged that gay and lesbian couples are suitable to be parents. We must no longer deny them the ability to marry," Taylor added.

The lawsuit seeks a court ruling that the state laws regarding marriage shall apply without regard to gender, thus providing gay and lesbian couples the same legal rights and benefits of marriage now available to opposite-sex couples. The lawsuit also asks the court to recognize same-sex marriages lawfully formed in other jurisdictions.

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posted by Eve at 4:47 PM VOTE

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