FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2012
Contact: Anath Hartmann or Elizabeth Ray (703-683-5004)
"We're committed to giving Washington voters the right to decide the definition of marriage in their state, just as 31 other states have been able to do."—Brian Brown, NOM President
![National Organization for Marriage](http://www.nomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nomlogo.gif)
Washington, DC—The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the nation's largest and most influential group working to support traditional marriage, today announced it is joining with allies in Washington state to qualify a referendum blocking legislation that attempts to redefine marriage in the state.
"Preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman is worth fighting for," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "Marriage is a cornerstone of society that not only unites a couple to each other, but ensures that any children born of their union will have the best opportunity to be raised by their own mother and father. We're committed to giving Washington voters the right to decide the definition of marriage in their state, just as voters in 31 other states have been able to do."
Governor Christine Gregoire today signed Senate Bill 6239 into law. Shortly after, a coalition of groups under the umbrella Preserve Marriage Washington—which includes the Family Policy Institute of Washington, Stand for Marriage Washington, and NOM—filed the referendum. SB 6239 does not take effect until June 7th. If the coalition is successful in collecting 120,577 voter signatures by June 6th, the law will be stayed and will not take effect. Voters will then decide whether to approve or reject the law in November.
"Every state to vote on marriage has decided to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman," Brown said. "This includes deep blue states like California, Wisconsin and Maine. We are confident that Washington state voters will do likewise, and we look forward to working with our allies on this important referendum battle."
Marriage supporters can request petitions at www.PreserveMarriageWashington.com.
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To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], or Anath Hartmann,[email protected], 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).