In the long struggle for marriage equality, the LGBTQ communities of Washington may finally see a change.

Washington governor Christine Gregoire announced her support of legislation to legalize same-sex marriage earlier this month and many students at Seattle University were happy with the governor's decision.

"It's really brave of our governor to support this," said Triangle Club member Brooke Burns.

Burns is excited for what this legislation could mean for gender minorities.

Last week, the club hosted a panel discussion titled "What's Missing from the Gay Rights Movement?" Though the talk focused on addressing issues of minorities within a minority movement, the speakers also discussed what the hoped-for legislation would mean for the LGBTQ community.

"Everybody's really excited. There's a lot of ‘finally, Washington' ... there's a lot of that going around, but it seems to be all pretty positive, which is good," Burns said. "People are identifying with this as part of their personal success."

The excitement is there, but speakers at the panel reminded students that the state still has a long way to go.

"The issue and concern now is that it will be put to a referendum," Burns said. "Historically, gay-marriage has never passed when it has been put to a general vote. So that's a little concerning."

Marriage is also not the only roadblock that the LGBTQ community is facing. Sophomore Grace Gehman recognizes that, even with marriage equality, there are still many other obstacles in place for same-sex couples.

"You generally think of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and gay marriage and that's it and once we get those then we're good, it's equality, it's done. But it's not," she said.

She does recognize that for many, the bill would mean finding a place within a society that puts so much emphasis on marriage.

"When you achieve progress, it makes you a little more hopeful about the rest of the problems in the movement," Gehman said.

Religious conservatives, however, are attempting to stall the "progress" of the gay rights movement. They are mobilizing support throughout Washington in opposition to the bill. A statement was issued by the Catholic bishops of Washington saying people should "maintain the legal definition of marriage ... as a union between a man and a woman." Bishops encouraged citizens to contact their representatives.

People in favor of the bill are working equally as hard to gather support.

"One of the really positive things is that it seems that a lot of different groups across the board that do represent pockets within this movement are mobilizing to potentially fight that and to potentially rally their communities in order to, if it does come to a general vote, it still will pass," Burns said. "And that would be historic."

As a college student, Burns thinks that this generation needs to realize its political power and see that votes do count.

"You need to vote on this because your vote matters," she said.

According to Gehman, young people have the potential to carry a lot of weight in political decisions.

"I think there's a huge movement with young people," she said. "This is their deal. The gay right's movement is one thing they feel passionate about."

The State Senate will vote on marriage equality Feb. 1. Because of Spectator publishing deadlines, we are unable to provide the results in print but they can be found at our website after the vote is completed.

Colleen may be reached at cfontana@su-spectator.com