Near majority in state Senate may favor same-sex marriage

OLYMPIA — Veteran Democratic Sens. Paull Shin, Rosemary McAuliffe and Mary Margaret Haugen are among a handful of lawmakers whose votes may determine if the state will make marriage legal for gay and lesbian couples.

A tally of all 49 senators released Wednesday by the Associated Press found support for a gay marriage bill is nearing a majority. Legislation could be introduced in the House and Senate as early as today.

Twenty-two senators told the AP they back gay marriage with 18 opposed, leaving supporters three votes shy of the majority needed for passage.

They’re looking to snag them from among the five Democrats — including Shin, McAuliffe and Haugen — and four Republicans who’ve said they had not made up their minds completely, though a couple of them are viewed as supportive.

Most of the focus in this battle is trained on the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority, 27-22, and at least two of them are on record opposing the bill. Passage is expected to be much easier in the House, and Gov. Chris Gregoire is ready to make it law.

If it happens Washington would become the seventh state allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a gay lawmaker who has led efforts for years to change the law, said that he’s “50 percent optimistic” it will pass.

“I can’t declare victory,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll know we have the votes until we actually vote.”

Opponents are mobilizing.

On Wednesday, the leader of the Lynnwood-based Family Policy Institute of Washington sent an email saying the first public hearing is set for Jan. 23. The Herald could not confirm that a hearing has been set.

“We are asking thousands of pro-marriage, common-sense types to join us in Olympia for this historic day and make their voice heard in Olympia on this culturally defining issue,” wrote executive director Joseph Backholm. “If you don’t come, you’ll always wish you would have.”

In the meantime, those on both sides of the issue are pressuring undecided senators.

Shin, of Edmonds, is one of the uncommitted. He voted against the “everything but marriage” law in 2009 and has been targeted by proponents and opponents for weeks. His office is receiving a steady stream of emails and phone calls about this issue.

“I haven’t really made up my mind,” he said, declining to comment further.

Haugen, of Camano Island, has irritated backers of same-sex marriage because she’s said she would not support a measure that did not provide for a public vote.

McAuliffe, of Bothell, said she’s undecided but leaning toward support. She said she wants to read a bill before committing.

“I’ve always supported civil unions.” she said. “I just want to hear from the people.”

Two other Democratic senators under intense pressure are Brian Hatfield of Raymond and Jim Kastama of Puyallup. They, like Shin, previously cast votes against expanding options for gay couples and are now weighing this decision.

“The supporters of the bill determine you’re a ‘hateful bigot’ if you vote no, while the opponents question your faith and say you’re ‘turning your back on God’ if you vote yes,” Hatfield said.

Murray said that each undecided lawmaker he has talked with about the issue “has a very difficult personal struggle.”

“This isn’t a policy debate, or something you can trade a vote for,” he said. “It’s such a personal decision.”

Aside from Shin, Haugen and McAuliffe, the other 18 lawmakers in the Snohomish County delegation have made up their minds with the 12 Democrats vowing support and the six Republicans standing in opposition.

“I’m a ‘yes,’” said Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, D-Lynnwood. “People who want to make a commitment to each other should be able to do so.

“It was pretty easy for me partly because when you work on children’s issues you learn that a lot of children today are part of nontraditional families,” she said. “They need legal protection.”

Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, said he’s against the change.

“I’ve always been supportive of traditional marriage. Those are my beliefs,” he said.

Second-year Rep. Luis Moscoso, D-Mountlake Terrace, described himself as “absolutely yes.”

“I’ve got families, relatives and friends who would benefit if such legislation would pass,” he said. “I’m very pleased to see the overwhelming majority of people who have contacted my office are in favor.”

Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, said he’s been a longtime support of traditional marriage.

“I’m absolutely a ‘no,’” he said, adding that he felt pushing the controversial proposal in a short session is a “distraction to what our real focus should be.”

AP writers Rachel La Corte and Mike Baker contributed to this report

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

How they stand

1st District

Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D- Bothell: Uncommitted though leaning toward support

Rep. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell: Yes

Rep. Luis Moscoso, D-Mountlake Terrace: Yes

10th District

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island: No, unless sent to the ballot

Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor: No

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton: No

21st District