WA Lege Day 11: Kastama to vote yes on gay marriage bill
OLYMPIA -- Supporters of a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state inched closer to passage today as one of the few "undecideds" said he would be voting yes.
Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, said times have changed and "I believe we have reached the point where society is ready to recognize and support same-sex couples who seek the bonds, benefits and security of marriage."
According to a tally by the Associated Press, the same-sex marriage bill had 23 yes votes prior to Kastama announcing his decision. It needs at least 25 to pass the Senate.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a sponsor of the bill, said major corporations including Microsoft, Group Health and RealNetworks said they will support same-sex marriage.
