Moderate Democratic members of the Washington State Senate on Wednesday night provided the difference in a 28-21 decision for Senate Bill 6239, landmark legislation which will legalize same-sex marriage in Washington.

Seven moderates voted in the affirmative to help move the state a step closer to becoming the seventh in the nation to adopt such legislation.

“Every member of the legislature should feel a sense of pride this evening,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. “Not only because we passed such an historic piece of legislation, but because of how we passed such an historic piece of legislation.”

“Wednesday’s vote should serve as a reminder that there are many difficult decisions ahead of us and just as many potential pitfalls to disrupt the process. The marriage equality vote can serve as a model of the right way to tackle a difficult issue and as a reminder that we can accomplish so much more as one than as individuals.”

The House of Representatives will now take up the issue, possibly as early as next week. Governor Gregoire has said she will sign the bill.