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Everyone in America deserves equal treatment under the law regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression including the right to marry the partner of your choice. The ACLU works for equal rights and legal protections against discrimination and harassment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
A photo of the supreme court of the United States by Photo by Ian Hutchinson from Unsplash

FAQ: Washington and the 303 Creative v. Elenis Case

Preliminary guidance on how this decision will impact Washington.

ACLU-WA comment on signing of abortion and gender-affirming care bills into law

Gov. Inslee signed a package of bills that take meaningful steps toward defending health care access

Resources

The 2012 Freedom to Marry Ballot Initiatives: On the Ground in Four Key States

Published: 
Monday, October 1, 2012
Marriage for same-sex couples is on the ballot in four states this November, and it will be a pivotal moment for the LGBT movement. In Maine, Maryland and Washington voters have the opportunity to expand the freedom to marry to same-sex couples; and Minnesota voters could make that state the first ever to defeat a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.  Even a single ballot box win would change the national debate and would reinforce the polls showing growing majorities across the country that support marriage for committed same-sex couples.
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We're Ready to Defend Washington's Marriage Law at the Ballot Box

Published: 
Monday, June 18, 2012
Last February, we cheered and cried with our friends and allies when Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill that grants civil marriage to all loving, committed same-sex couples. But even as we celebrated, we knew that the opponents of marriage equality would continue to fight. Washington law allows the opponents of a piece of legislation to take their case to the voters by gathering enough signatures to place a referendum on the ballot. A “yes” vote on the referendum is a vote to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.  A “no” vote on the referendum is a vote to exclude same-sex couples from marriage."
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Court Approves Fair and Accurate Language for Ballot Title on Marriage Equality Law Referendum

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Thurston County Superior Court judge today approved ballot title language for Referendum 74, a measure that asks voters to approve or reject the law permitting civil marriage for same-sex couples passed by the 2012 Legislature.
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Combating Housing Discrimination: Moving Beyond Narrow Definitions of Families

Published: 
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Two years ago, Michelle DeShane wanted to add her partner Mitch, a transgender man, to the housing voucher she receives to find affordable housing. The local housing authority in Richland refused and told her that the couple did not meet its definition of a “family.” Then it referred the DeShanes to a neighboring housing authority, because, as they were apparently told, that housing authority “accepts everyone – even Martians.”
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Challenge Seeks Accurate Language for Ballot Title on Marriage Equality Law Referendum

Published: 
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington and Legal Voice are representing the League of Women Voters of Washington and Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) Washington State Council in a court challenge to the state Attorney General’s proposed ballot title for Referendum 74.  The measure asks voters to approve or reject the law permitting civil marriage for same-sex couples passed by the 2012 Legislature. The League of Women Voters and PFLAG petition says that the proposed language drafted by the Attorney General for R-74 ballot title is prejudicial, and that the court should require language that accurately describes the referendum. 
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Valentine’s Day Comes Early: Celebrating an Historic Victory for Equality

Published: 
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine’s Day came a day early in Washington state. Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill making Washington the seventh state to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. Our state’s leaders have recognized that the relationships of all loving, committed couples need to be treated with the same respect under state law. Join us in celebrating this historic occasion by raising a toast tonight at 6:00 wherever you are.
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Washington Legislature Passes Historic Marriage Equality Bill

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It’s an early Valentine’s Day! With a 55-43 vote, the Washington House has joined the Senate in approving the bill making civil marriage available to all loving, committed couples. The Governor is signing the bill today at 11:30.
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Former Student Gains Major Settlement after Enduring Years of Harassment

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A former student who endured severe and persistent harassment throughout junior high and high school has gained a major settlement from the Aberdeen School District. The ACLU has represented Russell Dickerson III in a lawsuit saying that school district officials were aware of the harassment but failed to take steps reasonably calculated to end it.
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School Board Restores Clubs’ Access to School Resources!

Published: 
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Students in the Kennewick School District are celebrating today because last night the school board restored access to school resources for noncurricular clubs.
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Maj. Witt Salutes Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

News Release, Published: 
Monday, September 19, 2011
Major Margaret Witt reflects on her lengthy legal battle against her dismissal and the importance of the repeal of DADT. Represented by the ACLU-WA, Maj. Witt won a landmark ruling that helped pave the way for the end of the discriminatory policy. Pictured above: Major Witt (far right) deployed in Oman.
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