House passes civil rights legislation - HB 2661

Good news. Now it's on to the state Senate:

The state House on Friday passed a much anticipated gay rights bill by a 60-37 vote and kept the legislation on track for expected passage in the Senate.

Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, took the lead on the bill. “This discrimination is a reality,” Murray said. He asked members to appeal to the "better angels of our nature" and send a message of inclusion by voting in favor of the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown has promised that she will bring HB 2661 before the chamber quickly. It's still not too late to lobby your state senator to urge them to vote in favor of HB 2661, whether they have or haven't in the past.