Love knows no boundaries, including gender. The fact that love exists between two people of the same sex does not diminish the strength of this essential human emotion between them. However, despite the existence of a loving, committed bond between gay and lesbian couples, because they are denied access to marriage, their relationship is not viewed as equal to a married heterosexual couple. Gay and lesbian couples risk having their relationship not fully recognized in other states because they are not married.

Same-sex couples and families live in our communities knowing their love is viewed differently and separate from those families living in a marriage.

Unfortunately, as history has repeatedly shown, separate is not equal in our society. I had the honor to march with Washington United for Marriage in the Strawberry Festival. I proudly carried the state flag behind two beautiful brides in wedding gowns. Doing this made me feel that it is important that our state officially recognize the commitment between a same-sex couple the same as for heterosexuals. But it also reminded me how proud I was to be a resident of this great state when our Legislature, in a bi-partisan vote, allowed same-sex marriage.

There is an effort to undo this great and fair accomplishment by our Legislature. Please vote in November to approve Referendum 74 and affirm that momentous and historical vote to rectify the injustice of denying same- sex partners the opportunity to marry.

— Jay Williamson