Washington state senator Ed Murray called historic passage of a marriage equality bill in the chamber late last evening a “stunning event” — and one that likely faces heated right-wing opposition in the form of a referendum. 

Murray, lead sponsor of the senate bill and one of several gay legislators in the state, told the Seattle Times, "For a lot of people in my age group, this is a stunning event. It's something we did not believe would happen in our lifetime."

Following passage of the bill in a 28-21 vote, the legislation now moves on to the state house, where it is expected to pass by a wide margin. 

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has pushed for marriage equality and has pledged to sign the bill, said in a statement of Wednesday’s vote, "I look forward to the day when all Washington citizens have equal opportunity to marry the person they love."

Though Wednesday night debate over the bill in Olympia was described in reports as "civil," one gay marriage opponent on hand told the Times, “I'm a Christian, and this is not pleasing to God," Jane Sterland of Centralia said. "I feel very grieved that the bill is even in question.” (Read the full report here.)

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