The Washington State Legislature passed a gay-rights bill for the first time in state history on Jan. 27. However, the 29-year fight to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians appears far from over, according to the Seattle Times.
Republicans and Democrats predict opponents will try to place a referendum on the November ballot to overturn the law. Conservative religious groups said there is a good chance that such a referendum will happen.
The Senate passed the bill 25-23, with one Republican, Bill Finkbeiner, voting in favor. ( Two Democrats voted against the measure. ) The House gave its final approval a short time later by a final vote of 61 to 37.
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire was expected to sign the bill Jan. 31.
The measure adds sexual orientation to a list of categories covered by a state statute banning discrimination in housing, employment and insurance, according to Advocate.com . Sixteen states have passed similar laws for gays and lesbians; six of those states have passed laws for transgender people. Illinois' gay-rights law, active since Jan. 1 of this year, covers the entire LGBT community.
Several organizations immediately issued press releases praising the development. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, noting that 48 percent of the country's population will now be protected by sexual orientation laws, called the move 'another watershed moment in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.'