The Rising Tide

We'd all best lay in a good supply of champagne and confetti, my darlings. It looks like same-sex couples are going to have a lot more to celebrate very soon.

In my own great state of Washington:

Same-sex domestic partners will have all the rights married people in the state get following the Legislature's approval of a controversial measure Gov. Chris Gregoire says she will sign into law.

"This bill is about justice," Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said prior to the House's 62-35 vote. "This bill completes our work with domestic partnerships."

Senate Bill 5688 had previously passed out of the state Senate by a 30-18 vote.

"This legislation will expand basic benefits, provide better financial security and ensure equal treatment for domestic partners living in Washington state," Gregoire said in a statement. "Our state is one that thrives on diversity. We have to respect and protect all of the families that make up our communities."

It ain't quite marriage, yet, but to hear the Cons snivel, 'tis only a matter of time. And probably not that much time, either.

And in New York:

Gov. David A. Paterson on Thursday announced that he would introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, drawing on the soaring oratory of the civil rights movement to call on the Legislature to add New York to the four states that have already authorized such unions. Comparing the status of gay men and lesbians with that of blacks, Jews, women, disabled people and other groups who were historically excluded from full political and social equality, Mr. Paterson said he would lead the movement to authorize same-sex marriage in the Empire State. “We have a crisis of leadership today,” he declared. “We’re going to fill that vacuum today.”

I know it sounds like someone's been setting off firecrackers in celebration, but that's just wingnut heads esplodin'. The fireworks'll come later, when the legislature actually does the right thing.

If you'll excuse me, I've got dancing lessons to take. It looks like there's going to be quite a rash of wedding receptions to attend, and I don't intend to be stuck in a corner swaying vaguely to the music. Noper. Gonna be out there being wild with joy.