President Barack Obama today announced his support for Washington state’s marriage equality law, Referendum 74, which would extend civil marriage equality to same-sex couples.
“While the president does not weigh in on every single ballot measure in every state, the president believes in treating everyone fairly and equally, with dignity and respect,” Paul Bell, Washington Press Secretary, Obama for America announced via a statement. “Washington’s same-sex marriage law would treat all Washington couples equally, and that is why the President supports a vote to approve Referendum 74.”
Washington United for Marriage Campaign Manager Zach Silk added that the President’s “support for marriage reflects what’s happening in WA and across the country.”
“As more people, and more voters, realize that only marriage fully protects and supports families, they move towards supporting marriage for same-sex couples and approving Referendum 74.
“We’re now in the home stretch, mobilizing thousands of volunteers with the largest ground game in Washington ballot history. We feel momentum is on our side, and having the President weigh in on approving Referendum 74 puts an extra gust of wind in our sails.”
In April, President Obama also weighed in on Minnesota’s upcoming marriage equality bill:
“While the President does not weigh in on every single ballot measure in every state, the record is clear that the President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples,” Obama for America Minnesota Communications Director Kristin Sosanie said.
The White House in the past has made clear “the president believes strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.”