OLYMPIA — North Olympic Peninsula Reps. Steve Tharinger and Kevin Van De Wege support same-sex marriage, while Sen. Jim Hargrove, who also represents the Peninsula in Olympia and has opposed other efforts to expand marital rights to homosexuals, is against it.
Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed expanding marriage to gay and lesbian couples, who already can enter domestic partnerships under the state’s everything-but-marriage law.
She made the announcement a week ago.
Tharinger, Van De Wege and Hargrove all represent the 24th District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Tharinger and Van De Wege, both Democrats from Sequim, said marriage should be a couple’s own choice and that “government shouldn’t stand in the way.”
“It’s time to end discrimination against our neighbors, colleagues, friends and community members,” they said in a joint statement.
“Whether someone is a first responder, a teacher, a business owner, a member of our military, a stay-at-home parent or any other vocation, they shouldn’t face discrimination when it comes to being able to obtain a marriage license,” the two said.
Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, who has cited religious beliefs for opposing same-sex marriage in the past, said he has not changed his mind on the issue.
“I guess I’m just old-fashioned,” he said.
“I had that position 28 years ago,” Hargrove added, referring to when he first took office, “and I think I need to remain consistent with that position in the future.”
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.