HRC Blog

Four Washington Newspapers Endorse Referendum 74

September 17, 2012 by Tony Wagner, Western Regional Field Director

This post comes from HRC Regional Field Director Tony Wagner. He is working with Washington United for Marriage, the campaign working to defend marriage equality at the ballot box in November.

In recent days, four leading newspapers in Washington state have published editorials in support of marriage equality.

The Spokesman Review (Spokane), the Seattle Times, the Columbian (greater Vancouver) and the News Tribune (Pierce County) all endorsed marriage equality.

Earlier last week, the editorial board of the Walla Walla Bulletin also endorsed Referendum 74.

The editorials are compelling, but the fact that the newspapers represent such diverse parts of the state sends a powerful message that people across Washington want every resident to be able to marry the person they love.

“The law behind R-74 moves same-sex marriage from a legal contract to a covenant. Two people in love are empowered with the rights, duties and responsibilities to build a life together as a married couple,” the Seattle Times editors wrote. “Once again the state must act together. Mark the ballot to Approve R-74. Love does not fail.”

The Seattle Times has taken the extra step of creating a page on its website where readers and supporters can submit photos of themselves holding signs that say “I do” support of Referendum 74.

"Quite simply, there is no government interest in limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Some critics say this special right is justified because government needs to promote the production of children,” the Spokesman Review editors wrote. “Yet, such couples can get married whether they have children or not. Many same-sex couples do raise children… Ultimately, marriage is a personal decision and should be treated as such.”