Editorial: Work still to be done after Ref. 71 passes

We made progress Tuesday when we approved Referendum 71 and extended "everything but marriage benefits" to same-sex couples.

And while here on the West Coast we've taken a big step toward social progression, Maine voted to repeal gay marriage.

Maine's ignorance, along with the alarmingly close numbers coming in from the polls on Ref. 71, show that we've still got a long way to go when it comes to securing equal rights for all people.

Here in the liberal city of Seattle we often seem to forget that on the other side of the mountains people are not as open-minded.

In King County, Ref. 71 passed with overwhelming numbers. In eastern Washington, however, the measure was rejected by wide margins, including places like Spokane County.

This ignorance and hatred cannot continue. Although we've taken a leap forward, history has shown us time and time again that "separate but equal" does not work.

We need legislation that ensures unconditional and equal rights for all people.

What religious opponents of Ref. 71 and similar legislation fail to realize is that their desire to keep in line with their values does not give them the right to take away the rights of others.

While our country has been largely based on the ideology of Christianity, it is time for us to move away from systems in which the majority makes decisions affecting minority groups while ultimately honoring separation of church and state.

Be proud of the progress made in Washington, but keep in mind there is much work to be done in securing true equality. Ref. 71 is only a bittersweet victory.