OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate passed landmark legislation late Wednesday granting gay and lesbian couples access to marriage.

Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, spoke in strong support of the bill.

"I was taught that a family was not determined by the genders of the persons involved, but by the love and commitment that they shared. I was taught that every person is to be treated with respect and dignity.

“Today, we stand ready to take a historic step toward extending the fundamental human rights and freedoms that we embrace in America to all of our citizens. We stand ready to ensure that all families are treated fairly.”

Click here to read the full text of Ranker’s speech.

Senate Bill 6239 the bill was passed 28-21, receiving significant bipartisan support. It now heads to the house for further consideration.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326