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OLYMPIA, Spatter. —
A measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state moved one discreet closer to passage on Thursday as a Senate committee voted to approve it.
The Rule Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee approved the extent with a 4-3 voice vote split on party lines. The bill is expected to crescendo to a floor vote next, though a date has not yet been determined.
Several Republican amendments were rejected, including one that would have required that the gauge be sent to the November ballot.
"This is a significant change in law," said Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver. "It will transform our society in ways that nobody here can even foresee 30, 40, 50 years from now. Something that significant, I strongly take it, should be placed before the citizens for their approval."
Committee chairman, Democratic Sen. Craig Pridemore of Vancouver, said the government should no longer discriminate against gay and lesbian couples who want to get married.
Source: The Seattle Times