Supporters of same-sex marriage in Washington celebrated victory Wednesday. Zach Silk managed the campaign that's claiming a win on what’s called Referendum 74.
He addressed a crowded room of supporters Wednesday near downtown Seattle. "So, I have to ask, how’s it feel to make history?”
What a difference a day makes. When Silk addressed supporters on election night, he was cautious about the results. He said the race was too close to call with voter approval at just 52 percent. Now, Silk says they’ve crunched the numbers and are confident the lead will hold.
Washington State Senator Ed Murray joined in Wednesday’s victory announcement.“The state said to us, you are no longer going to wake up and feel different. You will be the same as everybody else. Your family will be treated the same as everybody else.”
The campaign to reject the referendum has not conceded defeat. But one of its biggest backers is calling it a loss. The National Organization for Marriage released a statement that expresses disappointment that Washington and three other states voted in favor of gay marriage.
This election marks the first time in U.S. history that voters have said yes to marriage equality.
Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network