Vote of a Lifetime

In a week's time, Washington will be voting on Referendum 74, a bill that if passed will legalize same-sex marriage. I'm not sure where your vote lies, but in case you are still on the fence about it or wonder if your decision is best for Washington, I would like to share some thoughts and stories that may make a difference.

Marriage for same-sex couples is first off an emotional issue that is close to the heart.  Most of us grow up with role models who are married and then typically hold the institution of marriage in high esteem.  It is a legalized bond that makes things "official", a bond that we as a society see as the highest level of commitment.  Most of us hold marriage as the "industry standard" of relationship definitions.  And some of us go our whole lives dreaming of that special someone who we will find, choose to spend the rest of our lives with, and then make that special commitment to.  I believe everyone should be able to proclaim their love, regardless of sexual orientation, in this way.

Marriage also offers certain rights that many married couples take for granted.  I would like to share some stories with you from some of my friends.  The first is from my friend Barb who is in the Seattle Women's Chorus with me.  Listen to her story about how she lost her daughter...

The second story is from a friend of mine named Erin who also sings with the Seattle Women's Chorus.  Listen to her story and how the laws have affected her ability to get life-saving treatment for her leukemia...

And last but certainly not least is my friend Amber.  She and her partner decided to expand their family earlier this year.  Their bundle of joy was originally due on November 10th but decided to make an early appearance on August 14th... just 27 weeks gestation.  The sad truth is that because her partner is not the biological mom, she currently has no legal right to the child if anything were to happen to Amber.  And as their baby Cedar has remained in the NICU since birth (and is projected to stay there through the holidays), this means Amber has to stay by her baby as she is the only one who can make decisions for her and can legally claim her.  You can read about her journey on her blog.  Here's her post summing up the issues and how marriage equality affects her family.

http://ourlittlecedarsapling.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/vote-for-love/

There are so many reasons why marriage equality is so necessary.  Similar to the civil rights struggle of African Americans, it is time we fight for basic human rights for all within our society.  Same-sex couples should have the same rights and responsibilities that come with marriage and also the protections that are provided under marriage.  And just as Barb said, even if this story doesn't directly affect you right now, it may affect a friend or possibly in the future one of your children.  We have the opportunity to positively change lives for the good.  Feel free to post this blog or any of my friends' stories on social networking sites.  Let's all share our stories.  Please join me in support of Referendum 74 as we vote next week.  Let's support marriage equality and end the discrimination.