A new marriage certificate form is coming for all couples, with new marriage rights taking effect for gay couples in Washington state on Dec. 6, following passage of Referendum 74.
There has been some debate over what the language would be, with an initial proposal of "Spouse A" and "Spouse B" replacing the traditional bride and groom language on the state marriage certificate.
After taking more than 100 public comments at a recent hearing in Tumwater, Secretary of Health Mary Selecky has now approved a certificate with three options: bride, groom, or spouse, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.
To accommodate anticipated demand, King County is planning to open at midnight Dec. 6 to process new marriage certificates, and Pierce County will have extended hours in December as well.
Some religious organizations, such as are preparing to perform marriage ceremonies en masse on Dec. 9, the first day that gay couples can legally marry in Washington under the recently passed Referendum 74.
Are you satisfied with the new optional language? Tell us in the comments.
