Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, sponsor of Washington's marriage equality law, issued the following statement today regarding President Barack Obama's support of the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry:

"In a 17-year effort to pass marriage equality legislation in Washington state, I have been inspired by the thoughtfulness and compassion shown by people of all walks of life as they consider such a deeply personal issue.

"President Obama sincerely considered the real issues faced by loving, committed gay and lesbian couples and concluded that America’s highest ideals are best served by justice, and justice is best served by true equality for us all, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. I thank the president for his courage in taking a strong position in support of equality for all Americans. And I believe that, as more people come to know their gay and lesbian friends, family members and neighbors, as a state and a nation we will embrace marriage equality."