(Editor's note: This article contains original material as well a compilation of quotes obtained through news releases.)

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Gov. Chris Gregoire said Wednesday that she will propose legislation to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

Gay-rights groups and allies immediately endorsed the proposal, which will be introduced during the legislative session that begins Monday.
"It's time, it's the right thing to do, and I will introduce a bill to do it," Gregoire said in a statement.

I repeatedly hear and see criticism of LGBT organizations and their leaders. The chatter machine gripes about why the Defense of Marriage Act hasn’t been repealed yet, why transgender persons are not always included in proposed legislation, and even why there is a glut of gay charity summer pool parties.

LGBT people sure like to talk about the work of gay social justice groups; but far too often, they criticize without doing much to help.

(Editor's note: The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle of San Diego, known across the world for his activism for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS work, reacts to the United Nations' historic report on LGBT rights that was released on Thursday.)

While working as a priest in Orange County several years ago, I was introduced to the courageous work of Judge Pam Isles, who tried to solicit the support of local clergy to end domestic violence, or at least begin to talk about it from our pulpits.

By resorting this week to gay bashing, Rick Perry has hammered the last nail in his own coffin, signaling a final and desperate attempt to spark any interest in his badly failing campaign to become the Republican presidential nominee.