 Washington approves same-sex marriage 
 
 Washington voters have narrowly approved same-sex marriage, completing a four-state sweep of victories on Election Day by marriage-equality advocates. Supporters of gay marriage in Washington state declared... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Referendum 74, which would uphold the state's new same-sex marriage law, cheer at a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Seattle. Opponents conceded the race Thursday, while supporters declared victory a day earlier. Zach Silk, campaign manager for the pro-R-74 group Washington United for Marriage, called Thursday a "historic day" for the state, nation and "for families across the state of have dreamed of this day." "We have always understood that there are good people on the other side of this issue," he said in a statement issued Thursday. "Yet, we remain confident that once people see how much marriage matters to families, they will realize that the love and commitment that marriage embodies only strengthens families, neighborhoods and communities." More than 1,000 Catholics signed a newspaper ad supporting marriage equality, and 63 resigned priests signed a pro-Ref. Minnesota voters rejected a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman; as recently as 2004, multiple states enacted such an amendment. Washington, Maryland and Maine became the first states in America to vote for marriage equality. All other states have adopted marriage equality because of court rulings or legislative action. But it had its strongest lead _ 66 percent of the vote _ in King County, which holds about a third of the state's voters and is home to Seattle. Preserve Marriage Washington, meanwhile, issued a statement saying its members were disheartened but will "continue to educate citizens and policymakers on the timeless truth that real marriage is the union of one man and one woman." "We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin," said Joseph Backholm, the campaign chairman. "The election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in this very liberal and secular state," he wrote. Police closed off several blocks in Seattle's Capitol Hill area as more than 1,000 people gathered for a late-night, impromptu election celebration, dancing and chanting "74, 74, 74." But earlier that year, a gay civil rights measure passed after the idea had failed for nearly 30 years, signaling a change of mindset in the Legislature.
– Voters have approved same-sex marriage in Washington state after a tight vote, meaning marriage-equality advocates won all four of their Election Day battles: Maine and Maryland backed gay marriage, while Minnesota nixed a constitutional ban on such unions. Opponents conceded yesterday in Washington: "With additional results showing that we have not closed the gap, it now appears clear that Referendum 74 will be narrowly approved," says the head of one activist group. "But while we are disappointed, we are not defeated." As of mid-afternoon yesterday, Referendum 74 was leading with 51.96% of the vote, compared to 48.04% against it. The majority of counties voted against the measure, but King County, home to Seattle, helped push it through, the Post-Intelligencer reports. Noted Gov. Christine Gregoire: "Voters stood up for what is right and what is just and said that all Washington families are equal under the law." Nine states now recognize same-sex marriage, though Washington, Maine, and Maryland are the only states where it was won via ballot measure, the AP notes.