By a vote of 28-21, the Washington State Senate has approved marriage equality. The issue now will move to the House, where there is enough support to pass it, and then on to the Governor, who has said she will sign it.
Washington State will become the 7th U.S. State to legalize same sex marriage.
The packed public galleries burst into applause as the Senate passed the measure on a 28-21 vote Wednesday night after nearly an hour and a half of debate. Four Republicans crossed party lines and voted with majority Democrats for the measure. Three Democrats voted against it.
The bill includes strong protections for religious organizations.
