About Ed Murray

State Senator

Recent posts

• Follow Following 1

  Where would the gay rights movement be if the Stonewall Raid had not happened?

  0 0 I think that all movements have "trigger points", something that galvanizes, in a moment, actions, feelings and tamped-down energies that have been bubbling under the surface for years waiting for release. Look at how the actions of one Tunisian fruit vendor, in a personal moment of unbridled frustration, triggered the actions which have been sweeping the Arab world. The underlying problems had festered for years before his actions created the outlet for resistance. On a lesser, but no less meaningful scale, Stonewall was a culmination of years of harassment and repression - it was not a reaction to just one night of police brutality. So yes, I believe that, had it not been Stonewall per se, there would eventually have been a "Stonewall" moment at some point that focused LGBT people and unified them in a common purpose. Remember, activists had worked quietly for years behind the scenes to undo discriminatory laws. The movement did not suddenly spring to life one evening in New York. What did spring to life that night was a recognition of commonality among an under-organized movement. I also don't underestimate the AIDS crisis as a galvanizing force in the political awakening of the LGBT community. So yes, Stonewall or not, there would have come a time when we would be celebrating where we have come as a movement. Ed Murray answered in Gay Pride 11 months ago Answer and comment »

• Follow Following 1

  How long until gay marriage is legalized in Washington state?

  1 0 Marriage Equality is probably 2 to 5 years down the line, but that is only if the LGBT community and our progressive partners start a concerted effort on an outreach/educational campaign towards the rest of the state. We cannot rely on polling data which seems to indicate a growing majority-support for marriage - we must reach out and solidify that support proactively. This includes media campaigns, public speaking, community meetings, getting out of Seattle and talking with our neighbors. We should look closely at what Basic Rights Oregon is doing in that state. They have a very clear 5 year plan to lay the groundwork for an initiative before considering putting it on the ballot. We must lay this groundwork here in WA. Otherwise, there is currently no clear reason to believe we could win at the polls, in the legislature, or through the courts. But believe me, my partner Michael and I have been together for 20 years - we're as tired of waiting as anyone! Ed Murray answered in Gay Pride 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 4 more answers »

• Follow Following 1

  What role will mandatory retirement of a WA Supreme Court Justice play in the legalization of gay marriage?

  1 0 It is unclear how the retirement of Justice Alexander will affect the outcome of a new marriage equality lawsuit. Remember, Justice Madsen was seen as a likely "yes" vote before she sided with the majority in striking down the last one. But it does stand to reason that the Governor would presumably chose a more progressive justice than Alexander in replacing him, which would give one hope that a new lawsuit would fare better before the court. Also, though Justice Sanders lost re-election, it is not a given that new Justice Wiggins is a "yes". Ed Murray answered in Gay Pride 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 3 more answers »

• See all of my 0 Questions , 3 Answers and 0 Comments