Image courtesy of Washington United for Marriage.
Over the past few weeks, the Board of Governors has received both positive and negative feedback to our decision to endorse R-74 on marriage equality regardless of sexual preference. Since 2008, the Board has had a policy supporting marriage equality based on the relationship among civil marriage, the administration of justice, and the practice of law. The Board found that predictability and fairness in laws that protect property rights, parental rights, and access to the justice system are necessary for lawyers to fulfill their duties to their clients and serve the interests of justice.
I understand and respect that some WSBA members may not agree with the Board. There was, in fact, some disagreement among the Board in the vote on R-74. But ultimately the majority of Board members supported the position that we took in 2008. I personally believe that equal access to civil marriage, and all of the social and material rights and responsibilities it entails, is a basic part of an effective legal system, as well as a civil right of all Washingtonians.
Dan Ford. Dan serves on the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors, representing the 7th East District. He is active in WSBA committees on diversity, pro bono and legal aid, legislation, and judicial evaluation. Other service has included the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington (LBAW) Board; the WSBA Civil Rights Committee; and the Laurel Rubin Farm Worker Justice Project.
Contact Dan at dan.ford@columbialegal.org or 206.287.9652.
