Gay-rights bill headed to governor’s desk…

The bill passed the Senate, was rushed over to the House, which voted overwhelmingly to concur, and it’s headed for the governor.

At a jubilant press conference, Gov. Christine Gregoire said she intends to sign the bill into law on Tuesday morning.

Bill sponsor Ed Murray said he expects a ballot measure challenge to the bill. He and Gregoire both vowed to fight any such challenge.

“We’re ready,” Murray said in an interview, predicting that voters will turn down such a measure.

“The state’s changed,” he said. “They know more gay and lesbian people.”