WA Legislators Say They Have Enough Votes to Pass Gay Marriage Bill

According to the latest reports from Olympia,  there are enough votes in the State Senate and House to pass Gov. Gregoire's gay marriage proposal.

Democratic Senator Mary Margaret Haugen now says she will support the measure, apparently her vote would be the tipping point to ensure the bill's passage.   She says she's received hundreds of correspondances from constituents-some heartfelt, some very angry and others she could divulge the language.   Senator Ed Murray, one of the sponsors, said he had waited 17 years to ask this body (legislature) for marriage equality for gay and lesbian families.   The bill will get a public hearing, supporters claim religious beliefs will be included, in that religious organizations will not be required to perform gay marriages.