On February 13, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6239 into law, legalizing gay marriage in Washington state.

The bill was passed in the House last week with a 55-43 vote , a week after Senate approval.

"[I' so proud to have so many join and show their support for what is right and what is fair. Thank you all for your leadership, and your support. Today was among my proudest days as Governor. Congratulations to all who have worked for this for so long," said Gov. Gregoire.

“Today’s signature of the marriage equality law puts Washington on the road to fairness for all families,” said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization.

Washington joins six other states – Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont – plus the District of Columbia in recognizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples under state law. 

"This historic day has been a long time in coming, and we owe a debt to the men and women who have spent decades fighting for full equality for same-sex couples," said Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn in a statement. "Their dedication to equality and justice never wavered. Because of their hard work, loving couples in Seattle and in Washington State will be able to celebrate their love without being discriminated against in our laws."

The law takes effect June 7, but opponents have vowed to challenge the law. If opponents gather enough signatures to take their fight to the ballot, the law is put on hold pending the outcome of a November election.

Opponents must gather more than 120,000 signatures by June 6 to challenge the proposed law. An anti-gay marriage initiative has also been filed. To qualify, 241,153 signatures must be submitted by July 6.

"No doubt this law will be challenged. I will work in whatever capacity I can to ensure its approval by Washington voters, just as I fought against the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act” more than a decade ago," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "I look forward to the day when I can sign King County’s first marriage license for a same-sex couple."

"Our work is not done, and we may have to defend marriage equality on the ballot this fall," recognized McGinn. "I will continue to work hard to support marriage equality. I know that Seattle will continue to lead the way in working to protect same-sex couples and their rights to equal treatment."