Referendum 74

Definition

Referendum 74 was a 2012 ballot measure in Washington State that allowed voters to decide on the legalization of same-sex marriage. This referendum was significant as it marked a crucial turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in the state, reflecting a shift in public opinion towards acceptance and equality for same-sex couples. The passage of Referendum 74 represented a victory for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights and helped to pave the way for broader marriage equality across the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Referendum 74 was placed on the ballot after the Washington State Legislature passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage earlier that year.
2. On November 6, 2012, approximately 53% of voters approved Referendum 74, allowing same-sex marriage to be recognized legally in Washington State.
3. The successful passage of Referendum 74 made Washington one of the first states in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote.
4. The referendum was part of a broader national movement advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and had significant implications for similar measures in other states.
5. Referendum 74's approval led to the first same-sex marriages being performed in Washington State on December 6, 2012.

Review Questions

• How did the passage of Referendum 74 reflect changing attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in Washington State?
  • The passage of Referendum 74 indicated a significant shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in Washington State. With about 53% of voters approving the measure, it showcased growing acceptance and support for same-sex marriage among the population. This change can be attributed to years of advocacy, education, and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community, illustrating that societal views on marriage and equality were evolving.
• Discuss the implications of Referendum 74's approval on the national conversation about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The approval of Referendum 74 had important implications for the national conversation surrounding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights. It served as a landmark moment, demonstrating that voters could support marriage equality through direct democracy. This success encouraged activists in other states to pursue similar measures and highlighted the growing momentum towards national legalization, ultimately contributing to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Referendum 74 on LGBTQ+ rights advocacy in Washington State and beyond.
  • The long-term effects of Referendum 74 on LGBTQ+ rights advocacy have been profound both in Washington State and across the nation. Its successful passage energized advocates, leading to increased visibility and support for further LGBTQ+ rights initiatives. This momentum has continued to influence legislative efforts aimed at combating discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals. The referendum not only changed the legal landscape but also contributed to a cultural shift towards acceptance, making it a crucial milestone in the ongoing fight for equality.

Related terms

Marriage Equality: The legal recognition of same-sex marriages, providing equal rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples as those enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act): A U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, effectively denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages until it was partially struck down in 2013.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Efforts by individuals and organizations to promote equal rights and social acceptance for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations and gender identities.