Group to fight Wash. gay marriage bill

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OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A national group opposing same-sex marriage says it's gearing up to overturn a bill likely to pass in Washington state allowing gay marriage.

The National Organization for Marriage, an anti-gay marriage organization with one of the deepest pockets in the United States, said it's fully committed to getting on the ballot in November to repeal any legislation passed allowing same-sex marriage, The Seattle Times reported.

"We plan to submit a referendum on this to the secretary of state before the ink is dry on the governor's signature," said Chris Plante, regional coordinator for NOM. "We've got a major constituency; faith communities across the state will carry a heavy load on this. But they're not the only ones committed to retaining the current definition of marriage."

The Washington Senate approved same-sex marriage and moved the bill to the House where it's likely to pass, the newspaper said.

Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire has expressed her support for the bill, which would take effect June 7, 90 days after signage. The NOM and other opponents would have until June 6 to get 120,577 signatures to put a referendum on the November ballot.

"We won't do all the work, but we will bring expertise, experience and the resources of a national organization," Plante said. "We have the ability to raise money effectively, not just in Washington, but across the country."

State and national polls have shown more people regard gay marriage in a favorable light in recent years, the Times said.

"We are taking the opposition at their word: They'll spend a lot of money, confuse the voters," organizer Zach Silk said. "We're gonna make sure that people hear our stories."