OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The State Legislature has given final approval to a bill allowing same-sex marriage in Washington.

The House passed the controversial measure by a vote of 55-43 yesterday.

The next stop for the bill is the desk of Governor Chris Gregoire who has said she will sign it.

Republican Maureen Walsh spoke out in favor of the measure during the floor debate.



Opponents are vowing to collect the more than 120,000 necessary valid voter signatures to send the issue to the people with a referendum in November's general election. 

If it eventually becomes law, Washington would become the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage.