Washington Gov. Discusses Marriage Equality, Criticizes Chris Christie

In a new interview with XM Satellite Radio’s Michelangelo Signorile, Washington governor Chris Gregoire said she wishes she had supported same-sex marriage years ago. She also criticized New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s recent assertion that marriage equality be put on the ballot, rather than have state legislators decide the issue.

“I wished I could have come to the point that I am today six years ago, seven years ago, five years ago,” Gregoire said. “But it took me a journey, and for that, I’m sorry that it took me as long as it did.”

The governor said she hopes President Obama will announce his support for marriage equality soon, but added that she respects his “personal journey.”

In the interview Gregoire said she’s received overwhelming support, but the story that stood out the most was of a gay teen who had contemplated suicide prior to her announcement in support of marriage equality, which she first discussed in an interview with The Advocate earlier this month.

“The one that just hit my heart was a 16-year-old who said, ‘I’ve thought about suicide, and now that you’ve come out as strong as you have, I feel good about myself. And one day I will not go on bended knee and ask someone to join me in a domestic partnership — I’ll ask them to marry me.’ That’s the exact thing that moved me to where I am, and that’s only right for our children in this state and for their parents.”

Listen to the full interview here.