A final hearing is scheduled Monday before a Washington House committee on a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in the state, setting the stage for final passage this week.
If the House Judiciary committee advances the measure after hearing it Monday, it could be up for a vote on the House floor as early as Wednesday.
The Senate passed the measure on a 28-21 vote last week. Once passed by the House, the bill goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has said she will sign it into law. Opponents have promised a referendum challenge at the ballot.
Washington state has had a domestic partnership law since 2007, and an “everything but marriage” expansion of that law since 2009.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia. (AP)
