The Washington state Legislature has voted to legalize gay marriage, setting the stage for the state to become the seventh in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed.
The action comes a day after a federal appeals court declared California's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional.
The Washington state House passed the measure on a 55-43 vote Wednesday. The state Senate approved the proposal last week.
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire (GREG'-wahr) is expected to sign the bill next week. It would take effect 90 days after this session ends next month. But opponents have promised a challenge, which could put the law on hold pending the result of a November vote.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington D.C.