Just a few days ago, the Washington State legislature passed a bill legalizing civil unions at least, and the news has been a bit fuzzy around the edges as to whether this includes same-sex marriage. Governor Christine Gregoire has said that if the legislature passes a gay-marriage act, she will sign it.

Already, a conservative religious coalition is forming in order to fight it, à la California's Proposition 8. They may be in for a bit of a battle, however, because there are quite a number of churches in the state (and all over the country) that have subscribed to an "Affirmation of Welcome" statement.

And when the statement says "sacraments," this includes the sacrament of marriage.

We are slowly but surely (I hope!) lumbering our way toward civilization.

Don Firth