As Washingtonians, we have much to be proud of in our state. While several other states in our union are still fighting over same-sex marriage rights and now some states are even trying to advance legislation denying business services to same-sex couples based on so-called religious principles, Washington is not participating in that.
Aside from being one of the earlier states to “give” same-sex couples the right to be legally married, we have, through our elected Gov. Jay Inslee, appointed a woman of many “firsts” to our state Supreme Court. As the first woman of color and the first open and proud lesbian, Justice Mary Yu is a unique example of the diversity and equality that the people of Washington embrace. Furthermore, Yu has been a mentor and advocate for judges throughout the state, such as Clark County Superior Court Judge Bernard Veljacic.
Our country is founded on the principle that we are entitled to a jury of our peers. We have a system where we select and elect various government officials, judges and justices who we believe reflect not only how we see ourselves, but how we want our government shaped and our laws upheld. The appointment of Yu makes a strong statement about how the people of Washington see ourselves, and that is certainly something I believe we should be proud of.
Elle Appling
Vancouver
