KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Ballot Challenge Certain For Washington State Gay Marriage Bill

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington state is likely to become the seventh state to legalize same-sex within the next two weeks, but opponents have already promised a ballot challenge that would halt any summer weddings.

As supporters celebrated the Senate's 28-21 vote passing the measure on Wednesday night, a coalition of religious groups promised to start collecting referendum signatures as soon as the
measure is signed into law. The bill still has to be approved by the House, but with the tougher hurdle of the Senate already cleared, that second vote is just a formality.

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced support for the bill last month, and has promised to sign it into law. The law wouldn't take effect until June, and would be delayed if opponents turn in enough referendum signatures.
      

      
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