Divorce Attorneys
We must use the courts to change marriage law
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On Monday, March 8, at 8:30 a.m., I opened the doors at the King County licensing counter to six loving same-sex couples courageously seeking marriage equality. Although I could not issue them licenses, I worked with these couples, the Northwest Women’s Law Center and Lambda Legal Defense to file suit in King County Superior Court for the marriage rights denied to them. Why did I choose the judicial path to equality? Because we must use the law to change the law. The Book of Common Prayer says matrimony is a holy and honorable estate, and “therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God.” We must discuss the definition of marriage with the same reverence, discretion, sober thought and prayer. Washington state’s 1998 Defense of Marriage Act clearly defines marriage as “between a male and a female, over 18 years of age.” As King County executive, my oath of office requires me to uphold the law and I will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples as long as state law prohibits it. Yet I believe the Defense of Marriage Act is wrong and violates equal protection under the law. More : seattletimes.nwsource.com |
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