Washington House to Vote on Marriage Today

Washington state House lawmakers are set to begin debate Wednesday afternoon on a marriage equality bill already approved by the Senate.

While poised for passage -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has vowed to sign the bill, which has overwhelming House support -- the legislation could face a voter referendum in the fall.

On that issue, the Seattle Times noted:

Seattle-area attorneys say the Proposition 8 ruling, if upheld, could have implications for referenda and initiatives in states such as Washington, particularly within the 9th Circuit.

Peter Nicolas, a University of Washington law professor, said any repeal of the Washington law could be challenged by a gay couple, based on the 9th Circuit ruling.

"The odds of applying the 9th Circuit decision, as written, to a Washington scenario, assuming it stands on appeal, are certainly likely," Nicolas said. (Read the report here.)

House debate on the bill is scheduled to begin 1 p.m. Pacific Time, the Associated Press reports.