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Category Archives: Washington

Gay Couple in WA to Christian Florist: Publicly Do Penance, Pay Our Movement $5K, or We Will Sue You

April 11, 2013 – 3:00 pm

When issues of consequence like this were raised during the campaign against same-sex marriage, the backers of same-sex marriage said things like this would never happen. They went so far as to claim we were lying and that religious freedom was fully protected.

That so-called “protection” didn’t even last a matter of weeks. This is just the latest example that whenever marriage is redefined, it’s the end of full religious liberty for the citizens in that jurisdiction:

After five weeks of biting their tongues, a gay couple in Richland, Washington, ismaking a loaded offer to a florist who refused to sell them flowers based her biblical belief that "marriage is between a man and a woman."

Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed's lawyers, working with the legal powerhouse at the ACLU of Washington, sent a letter today to Arlene's Flowers owner Baronelle Stutzman saying she has two options: (1) She can vow to never again discriminate in her services for gay people, write an apology letter to be published in the Tri-City Herald, and contribute $5,000 to a local LGBT youth center, or (2) she can get sued for violating the Washington State Civil Rights Act.

That's some offer. (The Stranger blog)

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (128)

Washington State AG Sues Florist For Refusing to Provide Flowers to S-S Ceremony

April 10, 2013 – 12:00 pm

Like clockwork, those who disagree with gay marriage are being fined and forced out of the public square -- by the state-imposed redefinition of marriage:

Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against a florist who refused to provide wedding flowers to a same-sex couple.

The complaint was filed in Benton County on Tuesday against Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers and Gifts in Richland. The lawsuit is in response to a March 1 incident where she refused service to longtime customer Robert Ingersoll. Stutzman did not return a call Tuesday night seeking comment. Ferguson had sent a letter on March 28 asking her to comply with the law, but said Stutzman's attorneys responded Monday saying she would challenge any state action to enforce the law. Washington state voters upheld a same-sex marriage law in November, and the law took effect in December. The state's anti-discrimination laws were expanded in 2006 to include sexual orientation.

Ferguson seeks a permanent injunction requiring the store to comply with the state's consumer protection laws and seeks at least $2,000 in fines. (AP)

By NOM Staff | Posted in Law, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (100)

AP: Analysis Shows GOP Legislators Who Support SSM Lose Their Seats

February 18, 2013 – 10:30 am

An important news story by Patrick Condon in the Associated Press confirms what we have been highlighting for a long time -- Republicans who betray their base on marriage place their political future in serious jeopardy:

As some Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature weigh whether to support legalizing same-sex marriage, an analysis of gay-marriage votes from other states shows that GOP lawmakers who backed it often faced consequences, including loss of their seats.

... Republicans inclined to back gay marriage face risks.

"It was largely responsible for my loss," said Jean White, a former Republican state senator in Colorado whose 2011 vote for civil unions became an issue in a primary challenge by a fellow Republican...

According to roll call votes, in the eight times nationwide that state legislatures voted for gay marriage, just 47 Republicans bucked the party line out of many hundreds who voted against it.

Of those 47 Republicans who voted yes starting in 2009, 21 are in office today.

In New York, one of four Republican senators who supported gay marriage is still in the Legislature. One lost a primary, one retired, and one lost the general election after narrowly winning a bitter primary.

A New Hampshire Republican representative lost a primary after her 2009 vote for gay marriage, and in Maryland the former Senate Republican leader relinquished his leadership post when he started working with Democrats on a gay-marriage bill that passed last year.

"I got a lot of flak, a lot," said that senator, Allan Kittleman. He's planning to leave the Senate this year to run for a county office instead.

In Washington, which passed gay marriage in 2012, two of six Republicans who backed the bill are no longer in office.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Colorado, Marriage, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (4)

After SSM, Washington State to Remove Terms "Husband" and "Wife" from Marriage Certificates

November 29, 2012 – 4:00 pm

KIRO TV:

With a week until same-sex couples can register to be married in Washington, state workers are scrambling to get the right paperwork approved so there is no confusion when gay couples file to marry.

Next Thursday, gay couples can go to their county auditor's office and fill out the forms for marriage, but the forms will likely be different from those that are currently available.

The Department of Health is taking public comment Wednesday to make the current forms more gender neutral.

Jill Mullins drove from Seattle to Olympia Wednesday morning so she could say what she thinks about the proposed change to marriage and divorce certification forms.

The current forms ask for the bride’s name and signature and the groom’s legal information.

But with the legalization of gay marriage, the Department of Health is proposing to make the forms more generic, using instead “spouse A and spouse B.”

“I like it much better than having bride and groom and having that gender denomination,” said Mullins.

But Mullins said the form is not perfect for her.

"People across the board don't like taking away the terms husband and wife,” she said.

Mullins said gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens worked hard to get access to the terms “husband and wife.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Law, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (27)

Post-Marriage Election Round-Up: Statements from (Arch)bishops and Catholic Conferences -- Disappointment, Gratitude, Resolve

November 11, 2012 – 11:00 am

From the Marriage, Unique for a Reason blog run by the U.S. Bishops:

In addition to Archbishop Cordileone’s statement expressing disappointment about the results of the four marriage referenda, Archbishops, Bishops, and Catholic Conferences in the four states where voters voted to redefine marriage on Tuesday have released statements. Their words echo Cardinal Dolan’s conviction, expressed in a statement released after the election: “We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom.”

Read the statements by the Catholic bishops and Catholic conferences in the four states here.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Maine, Marriage, Maryland, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (92)

NOM's Peters: "Turnout" Key to Defending Marriage

November 6, 2012 – 6:00 am

Charlie Butts at OneNewsNow:

Maryland, Maine, Minnesota and Washington state are voting to protect marriage or to redefine it to be a genderless institution. As Thomas Peters of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) notes, the campaign is in the final hours.

"This is all about getting out the vote and turning out people," he contends. "There's been a lot of focus on polling in all these four states, but the line I keep using -- and it's the truth -- is that the polls don't matter. Hard work and who votes matter. Those are who win elections."

... Peters submits there are three keys to gaining success in all four states Tuesday: "turnout, turnout, turnout."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Maine, Marriage, Maryland, Minnesota, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments Off

Today is Election Day: How To Protect Marriage!

November 6, 2012 – 5:00 am

If you live in one of the four states voting on marriage today here is how to protect it!

By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Maine, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Maryland, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments Off

"We Are Catholics and We Oppose Referendum 74 to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage"

November 4, 2012 – 8:00 am

Tom Matthews, Bob Kelly and Pia de Solenni write in the Seattle Times:

WE are lay Catholic leaders in Washington state. We support and love our Catholic Church and her teachings on marriage. We support our bishops, priests and laity who courageously defend her. When they are seriously misrepresented, our consciences compel us to speak up.

This past Sunday, an ad claiming to represent the views of 1,000 Catholics was published in four major newspapers across the state. While they are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, they do not accurately represent Catholic teaching, nor are they representative of the local Catholic population, which numbers about 1 million.

We oppose Referendum 74 to legalize same-sex marriage on the Nov. 6 ballot, and we represent ourselves, as well as the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, the Knights of Columbus of Washington State and other leaders.

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman. It is a bond that is set apart because it unites the couple in a way that no other bond does. It is also procreative because marital intimacy naturally leads to the birth of children.

... it should be noted that there are currently 9,863 domestic partnerships in Washington, representing only 0.0029 percent of the entire state population.

Not only would Referendum 74 allow the state legislation changing the legal definition of marriage to go into effect, but it could directly affect the First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution: the freedoms of religion, conscience and free speech for those who, like us, have different values. We would be forced to accept a legal definition of marriage that signifies a genderless institution."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (1)

Washington State Catholic Bishops Take Campaign for Marriage to Prayer and Pulpit

November 4, 2012 – 7:00 am

SeattlePI:

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle website is topped by three videos of Archbishop J. Peter Sartain arguing against same-sex marriage, but a newly posted “Prayer in Defense of Marriage” seems to carry a similar anti-Referendum 74 message. A passage:

“May your Holy Spirit enlighten our society to treasure the heroic love of husband and wife, and guide our leaders to sustain and protect the singular place of mothers and fathers in the lives of their children.”

... After a fiery pastoral letter last month from Bishop Joseph Tyson, the Diocese of Yakima website currently carries the headline: “Why a good person can vote against same-sex marriage.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Marriage, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (2)

Brad Pitt Donates $100K to Gay Marriage! We Can Fight Back!

November 2, 2012 – 2:45 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Did you hear the news? Brad Pitt just gave $100,000 to the four campaigns fighting to impose gay marriage next Tuesday.

What's even more distressing is that Brad Pitt's own mother Jane Pitt has been the subject of death threats and a torrent of public abuse for speaking out against gay marriage, and yet her son has still chosen to double down by pushing gay marriage on the rest of the country!

I can hardly think of a better example of a liberal millionaire trying to impose his Hollywood values on all of us, no matter the consequences.

Let's fight back!

Our Stand for Marriage America campaign, which directly funds the four campaigns fighting to protect marriage, has raised almost $100,000, from almost 1,000 donors! Can I count on you to give $10, $100 or even $1,000 today?

Your contribution will help determine who has the final say on gay marriage: the $100,000 Brad Pitt just gave...or the $100,000 we raise from hundreds of pro-marriage activists like you!

This will be our last chance to fight back against the Brad Pitts of the world through Stand For Marriage America. Can I count on you to chip in at least $10 or as much as you can spare right away?

Together, we can fight back against Hollywood millionaires like Brad Pitt and, with your help, we can protect the values they are attempting to dismantle and obscure.

So please join me in standing up for marriage and for pro-marriage citizens like Jane Pitt by donating generously to these four state efforts.

Thank you for all your generosity. We are so close!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, SFMA, Washington | Comments (1)

BP: Maryland, Washington Could Overturn Gay Marriage

November 2, 2012 – 11:00 am

The Baptist Press:

Gay marriage laws in Washington state and Maryland are in danger of being overturned by voters, according to new polls that were released after traditional groups went on the air with television ads warning of the consequences of marriage redefinition.

Both new polls show traditional groups making up significant ground in the span of a few weeks.

In Washington state, Referendum 74 to legalize gay marriage is too close to call, with supporters of R-74 leading 49-45 percent, according to an Elway Poll of 451 likely voters conducted Oct. 18-21. A month earlier, supporters led, 51-37 percent.

"Opposition to Referendum 74 has grown over the past month while support has stayed at virtually the same level since July," an analysis by Elway Poll said.

In Maryland the vote on Question 6 -- which would legalize gay marriage if passed -- also is a dead heat, with 47 percent of likely voters opposing it and 46 percent favoring it. The survey of 801 likely voters was conducted Oct. 20-23 by OpinionWorks for the Baltimore Sun newspaper. A month earlier, supporters of gay marriage led, 49-39 percent.

Both states saw Democratic legislators and governors pass gay marriage laws this year, only to have citizens gather signatures to overturn them at the ballot. Neither law has taken effect.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Maryland, Polling, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments Off

National Organization for Marriage Launches Massive Phone Campaign for Marriage

November 2, 2012 – 10:45 am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

"Along with advertising and other mobilization efforts we have undertaken, which are unprecedented in their scale, we are confident that Election Day 2012 will mark a triumph for marriage and family in the United States." —Brian Brown, NOM president—

National Organization for Marriage

Washington, D.C.—The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) was founded to advance pro-marriage initiatives across the country through advocacy and grassroots mobilization. Today NOM issued the following statement on campaign 2012:

In the final days before voters go to the ballot box, the National Organization for Marriage and its partners are launching a major push to reach and mobilize 10 million voters with a positive message for marriage. The new campaign, with a budget of $500,000, involves robocalls to households in Maine, Maryland, Washington State, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The calls feature prominent advocates for traditional marriage and family, including Dr. James Dobson, Senator Marco Rubio and former Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Calls will be placed in both English and Spanish, targeting voters across the political spectrum who favor retaining the definition of marriage, which has characterized society for centuries.

Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, described the telephone campaign as "the largest national mobilization of traditional marriage voters in history. Our aim is to reach 10 million voters or more. We are proud to work with state-and national-based partners in the four states that have marriage referenda on the ballot—states where we believe the polls are trending in our favor—and in three presidential swing states, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, that many pundits are surprised to find now in play.

"Even in these tough economic times," Brown said, "people know that the stability of the family is crucial and the need to preserve the institution of marriage has never been greater. These calls from leaders in public life will remind voters to go to the polls, to protect marriage, and to support public officials who will do the same. Along with advertising and other mobilization efforts we have undertaken, which are unprecedented in their scale, we are confident that Election Day 2012 will mark a triumph for marriage and family in the United States."

###

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Jen Campbell (x145), jcampbell@crcpublicrelations.com , or Elizabeth Ray (x130), eray@crcpublicrelations.com , at 703-683-5004.

Paid for by The National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, president. 2029 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. New § 68A.405(1)(f) & (h).

By NOM Staff | Posted in Maine, Marriage Election Watch, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Press Releases, Washington, Wisconsin | Comments Off

Action Item: Share this Visual Far and Wide!

November 1, 2012 – 2:00 pm

Many of our friends and family will be informing themselves about the issues and getting ready to vote this weekend. Let's make sure they see this visual graphic educating them about how to vote to protect marriage by sharing it on our Facebook wall, Twitter feed and with our email list!

You can share it via Facebook (and access the full-size version) here.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Alerts, Maine, Marriage, Maryland, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (1)

Our Opponents are Spooked

October 31, 2012 – 5:15 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

No one likes being the bearer of bad news—certainly I don't! But I have to tell you what our opponents are up to in the four states voting on marriage next Tuesday.

You see, they are spooked by recent polls showing us with momentum on our side, and so they have unleashed an avalanche of lies and harassment in a desperate attempt to score their first state victory and avoid four more crushing defeats.

Can you help us push back with the TRUTH? Please chip in $15, $25 or $50 today to STAND FOR MARRIAGE AMERICA so we can overcome their last-minute lies.

Here's just a sample of the myths and falsehoods our opponents are filling the airwaves (and your mailboxes) with every day:

In Washington State, our opponents are airing ads claiming that if we do not redefine marriage, individuals in a same-sex domestic partnership will be denied hospital visitation rights (Washington law says they cannot be denied).

Our opponents are sending out mailers to senior citizens claiming they will lose their health care and pay higher taxes on their Social Security benefits if gay marriage is not legalized (the Washington State Secretary of State Voters Guide refutes their claim, and the media says the claims are "misleading" and fail the "political smell test").

In addition, a man has been arrested and charged with a hate crime for his attack on a grandmother who was volunteering to protect marriage. Our allies have set up a Facebook album showing the "vandalism, vulgarities and violence" perpetuated by our opponents throughout this campaign. And gay marriage activists have been caught red-handed with dozens of stolen Reject R-74 yard signs in their possession.

Now do you see what I mean? This is what we are up against.

I'm counting on you to make an emergency gift to help us combat their LIES with the TRUTH about marriage. Your $25, $50 or $75 will be put to immediate use in the four states voting on marriage.

(I'm happy to report we have raised over $75,000 from almost 900 donors like you!)

Can you bear to hear more bad news?

In Maine, a family-run farm had to take down one of our "Vote NO on Question 1" signs after they encountered harassment and intimidation from gay marriage activists. They were targeted simply for sharing their Christian beliefs on marriage.

In Maryland, the chief diversity officer of Gallaudet University, the first African-American, deaf woman to receive a PhD from that institution, was summarily put on leave simply because she signed a petition to allow the people of Maryland to vote on marriage.

In Minnesota, our opponents are claiming that there is "no difference" between children raised by their mom and dad, and children raised by any two people, when the latest, most extensive research indicates that nothing substitutes for being raised by your biological parents joined in marriage.

I could also share with you example after example of our pro-marriage yard signs and billboards being vandalized and defaced, in each of these four states.

I know the only way to bring an end to such lies and harassment is to score definitive victories for marriage at the ballot box across the country next Tuesday.

That is why I am asking you to give your biggest gift to date to these four campaigns. Can you donate $50, $150 or even $250 or more to help us ensure that TRUTH and GOODNESS overcomes the LIES and INTIMIDATION of the gay marriage machine?

We don't have liberal millionaires and billionaires, Hollywood celebrities or wealthy pro-gay marriage CEOs funding our campaign.

We have honest, brave people like you.

I couldn't be more proud to be part of this with you. Please respond with generosity.

Together, we will overcome the lies of our spooked opponents and counter their avalanche of distortions. We will stand up for the TRUTH of marriage—and with your help the truth will win out.

By Brian Brown | Posted in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, SFMA, Washington | Comments (2)

In Washington State It's Marriage Traditionalists vs. Big Corporate Bucks

October 31, 2012 – 1:00 pm

Michael Haverluck of OneNewsNow explains the dynamics in Washington State's dueling campaigns to redesign/protect marriage:

Despite big bucks by major corporations being poured into the campaign for same-sex "marriage" in Washington State, polls continue to show that the gap for support for Democrat-backed Referendum 74 is dwindling ─ fast.

For the first time, support for Referendum 74 has dropped below 50 percent, according to the latest statewide Elway Poll.

We have gained 10 points since last month's poll and are within four points and closing in; the other side is under 50 percent for the first time," said Cedar Park Assembly of God senior pastor Rev. Joe Fuiten on his Facebook page. Pro-marriage advocates now trail 49 to 45 percent.

Fuiten's church, which recently donated $5,000 to the "No on Ref. 74" campaign, is one of the backers of a movement designed to preserve marriage's definition as the legal union between one man and one woman. So far, the pro-family campaign has received $2.1 million to fight same-sex marriage.

... But the big business climate in the Pacific Northwest is predominantly geared to fuel the homosexual agenda. Ramping up for the election, homosexual activists and corporate advocates have done all they can to garner and contribute financial support in the name of "marriage equality."

Some major corporate endorsers pushing Washington State to be the seventh state to allow same-sex marriage include: Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Amazon, Nordstrom, Costco, REI, Nike, Alcoa, Vulcan, and Expedia, with the latter being one of the latest major big businesses to join the charge.

... Just what kind of money are we talking about? Referendum 74 has a $9.5 million campaign fund. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and his wife donated $2.5 million of this total. And more than $5 million has already been funneled to TV ads promoting the redefinition of marriage.