"It's time, it's the right thing to do, and I will introduce a bill to do it," Gov. Gregoire promised yesterday afternoon.
She told the press and the state, "I say this as a wife, a mother, a student of law, and above all as a Washingtonian with a life long commitment to equality and freedom."
Perhaps her commitment to freedom has lapsed or been misplaced, while the state has, under her direction, assaulted, through litigation, the freedom of the Stormans family to choose not to sell abortion pills in their Olympia area pharmacy.
Her resolve to re-define marriage is evident.
This is a significant endorsement for Sen. Ed Murray and his campaign to re-define marriage, but it is not surprising. However, the Governor, Sen. Murray and other homosexual activist legislators will ultimately not have the last word.
The people will have the last word. Either through their elected officials or at the ballot.
A group of leaders of faith based organizations, pro-marriage legislators, lawyers and other church and business leaders have been meeting to prepare for this announcement and to organize a consistent and effective response in defense of natural marriage.
Sen. Murray confirmed to the press yesterday that his 'everything but marriage' domestic partnership bill "has helped lay the ground work for full marriage."
Gregoire told KOMO News, "I want Washington to become the seventh state in the nation to make gay marriage legal."
This is a critical moment in the history of this state.
It's important what Murray or Gregoire says, but it is more important what you have to say.
Gregoire has taken a bold political step. while she is not running for a third term, she has her legacy to think about. Apparently, she wants re-defining marriage as part of that legacy. Should she prevail, our kids and grand kids will live with the consequences.
Will we be so bold in our response? Will pastors and church leaders be so bold?
Pastor Ken Hutcherson told me day before yesterday he is concerned over the apathy in the church. I share his concern.
Senator Val Stevens has written a public response to Governor Gregoire, please take a moment and read it. She asked me to urge you to call your elected officials and tell them you strongly oppose homosexual marriage.
Please take a moment now and call your State Representative and State Senator. You can find their contact number or email on our website or you can use this map to help find your elected official.
Begin calling your State Representatives and Senators now. The Legislative session begins Monday. The bill will be introduced sooner than later.
After making your personal calls, please do the following:
1. Pray
2. Urge your family and friends to call their Representatives and Senators and tell them firmly, but respectfully, they strongly oppose homosexual marriage and ask them not to support it.
3. Become a leader within your circle of influence. Activate others at church and within your community.
4. Show up in Olympia. We will be announcing when the hearings on this bill will occur. I'm asking for at least 10,000 people to show up for the hearing. No, we won't all be able to get into the hearing room, but we will be on campus. We will be heard and seen. And we can schedule meetings with our own elected officials or at least stop by their office and leave a personal note. Details on this will follow.
This is critical. The timing is urgent. It is now.
Myself and a number of pro-marriage legislators are already working behind the scenes.
If we are to successfully defend marriage, it is going to take your financial support. The other side is highly funded. We are not. Please consider what God would have you do to help financially.
We are going to do everything humanly possible to stop the re-definition of marriage in the Legislature. If we are unable to do so, we will take it to the people for a vote.
The battle is at the door. Thank you for standing with us with your support.
Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active.