Washington gov signs gay marriage bill into law [View all]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire handed gay rights advocates a major victory, signing into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state, making it the seventh in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.

Gregoire signed the bill in the state reception room in the Capitol, surrounded by gay rights supporters. "I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal," Gregoire said.

It's a historic moment, but same-sex couples can't walk down the aisle just yet.

The law takes effect June 7, but opponents are already mounting challenges on multiple fronts.

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