Gov. Gregoire Comes Around on Same-Sex Marriage Last Wednesday, Governor Gregoire described how she turned around: "I came to realize the religions can decide what they want to do, but it is not O.K. for the state to discriminate." She put her fist over her heart, saying, "It's right here that frees me up to do this." Opponents of same-sex marriage pointed out that the governor is not running for re-election and could make what they consider a risk-free proposal. Aside from the marriage issue, Ms. Gregoire has built a strong record for gay and lesbian rights in her two terms, signing a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and housing and an extensive domestic partnership law in 2009. A referendum to repeal the domestic partnership law was quickly put on the ballot by the opposition. Voters rejected the repeal 53 to 47 percent. Opponents vow another referendum if the Democratic-led Legislature passes a marriage-equality law. The governor has promised to fight to have the state join six others and the District of Columbia where same-sex marriage is a legal right. There is reason to hope that the public's views have evolved along with the governor's. "That's a version of the discriminatory "separate but equal" argument."