With the election just around the corner, it is time to get informed.
This has little to do with Obama or Romney. This has to do with our community, the state in which we go to school and many of the people we surround ourselves with each day. This is about the question of equality.
Referendum 74 must be approved during the election on Nov. 6 for same-sex marriage to exist in the state of Washington.
If it is approved, same-sex couples can get married in Washington just in time for the holiday season.
In 2009, Referendum 71, which legalized the rights and obligations for domestic partnership, was passed in the state of Washington. This was the first step forward for Washington in terms of equality and same rights for all.
Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill on February 13, 2012 that would have legalized same-sex marriage in the state of Washington.
There was a sudden uproar among the citizens of Washington and the opposition compiled enough signatures to suspend the bill and demand that citizens of Washington vote on it in November. Hence, Referendum 74.
According to a poll of 700 Washington citizens sponsored by King5 TV, the people who opposed the bill were likely conservatives and people over the age of 65.
25 percent of Republicans and 43 percent of people aged 65 and up said they would approve the bill.
Another interesting statistic taken from this poll was that 47 percent of males would approve the bill and 47 percent would not approve it; the other 6 percent were undecided.
65 percent of Women, on the other hand, said they would approve, and only 29 percent would not; 6 percent were undecided.
So who were they really?
There is no definite answer, some even say it is a geographical divide in the state of Washington: those who oppose are in the eastern part of the state, and the western part is more liberal.
A Bellingham native, who wants to remain anonymous, explained that her hometown was very liberal, and she was “raised to accept everyone the way that they are.”
She said that those who didn’t accept these people have a “lack of exposure.” Many of her friends who lived outside of Bellingham in more rural areas still did not accept same-sex couples as she did.
“I think that if Referendum 74 were to pass in November, it would pave the way for America to follow suit in accepting everyone and allowing every individual the same rights.”
Referendum 74 has many supporters behind it going into this election, including Washington United for Marriage.
As it states on their website “Washington United for Marriage is a coalition of more than 500 organizations, congregations, unions, and businesses working together in coalition to defend civil marriage for loving, committed same-sex couples.”
This organization is passionate about getting the referendum approved so that same-sex couples will have the same rights as everyone else in the state of Washington.
University of Puget Sound junior Chiara Leifer has been interning with Washington United for Marriage and has spoken very highly of the organization and what it is promoting.
Leifer found out there was an opportunity with Washington United for Marriage, she said, “I wanted to make a difference, and this is something that I am passionate about.”
Leifer is passionate about same-sex marriage because she has friends and family that are gay and lesbian. Two of her older brothers are gay.
“They should have the same rights I do, and it’s so upsetting to know that they can’t marry someone they are in a loving and committed relationship with. I can’t wait to attend their weddings some day!” she said.
She said it frustrates her that when she turned 16 she could get married, but people that were older than her that loved someone of the same sex could not get married.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” she said.
This referendum applies to the University of Puget Sound in myriad ways.
“Most obviously, we are a university in Washington. There are people who are personally affected by this. I don’t want to see what happened in my home state of California happen to Washington,” Leifer said. “If one state passes it, then others will.”
Referendum 74 getting approved seems promising, especially if Washington United for Marriage continues to spread the word.
Leifer states there are many ways to get involved with Washington United for Marriage and helping the referendum get passed in general.
Her advice: register to vote in Washington. To become a voter, one only needs a thirty-day residency in the state.
Washington United for Marriage does phone banking, and they are holding other events to get as many supporters as possible before the November election.
Regardless of gender, political party, sexual orientation and anything else that makes us unique from one another… vote.
Everyone has the right to their opinion and the right to vote.
Keep Referendum 74 in mind, and vote this November.
PHOTO COURTESY/WASHINGTONUNITEDFORMARRIAGE.ORG
