The following are Sen. Murray's prepared remarks on the signing of his marriage equality bill:

My friends, welcome to the other side of the rainbow.

The journey to reach this historic day has been long, it has not been easy, and it has often been painful.

We are here today because families, lesbian, gay, and straight who courageously told the stories of their lives and changed the hearts and minds of legislators.

We are here today because of the courage of legislators, Democratic and Republican, who voted for our families, often at great political cost.

We are here today because of the incredible leadership of Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Speaker of the House Frank Chopp.

We are here today because of the tremendous work of a coalition of religious, labor, business and civic organizations from across this state.

We are here on this historic day because of:

Representative Jamie Pedersen, when we think of the Civil Rights Bill we will always think of Cal Anderson, when we think of Marriage Equality we will always think of Jamie Pedersen.

Speaker Pro Tem Jim Moeller, whose dignity presiding over the house insured a civil debate.

Representative Dave Upthegrove, who quietly work with his fellow suburban legislators.

Representative Marko Liias, providing the voice of a new generation.

You have heard the saying you need a woman in the house. Representative Laurie Jenkins’s skills prove you need a lesbian in the house.

We would not be here today without the leadership, passion and courage of Governor Christine Gregiore.

She was the first to agree to what some considered a questionable strategy and she never once wavered.

On this journey she has been at our side on civil rights, domestic partnership and now on marriage equality.

It is my great honor to introduce the Governor of Washington State, Christine Gregiore.