Spokane gay marriage debate overflows room

Monday, April 16, 2012

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Hundreds of Spokane residents are interested in having a say on whether the city should pass a resolution in support of Washington's new gay marriage law.

At a hearing on Monday, Spokane City Council chambers overflowed as about 300 people showed up to voice their opinions.

The Spokesman-Review (http://is.gd/u6yPJY ) reports about 70 people had testified by 10 p.m., when council President Ben Stuckart said everyone who had signed up had spoken. He asked if anyone else wanted to say anything and a few others testified.

Early testimony was dominated by opponents of gay marriage. Later testimony supported the resolution.

Terri Pfister, who has served as the city clerk for 15 years, says she can't remember such a packed house for a council meeting.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com