OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state Health Department has revised Washington's marriage certificate to conform with the new same-sex marriage law, offering both gender-neutral and gender-specific terms.
The form will be used starting Dec. 6, when the law takes effect.
The word “spouse” was added to the existing language that includes “bride” and “groom.” Couple can check a box for the term they prefer.
"The original proposed change was to replace 'bride' and 'groom' with 'spouse,' but many public comments suggested providing optional language," the Health Department said in a news release.
More than 100 public comments were taken in writing and at a hearing in Tumwater Nov. 28.
KIRO
