OLYMPIA, Wash. -- New marriage certificates in Washington are being revised to match our state's new same-sex marriage law. Marriage certificates are filed after a couple gets married. The new form lets newlyweds choose between gender-neutral or gender-specific terms. Secretary of Health Mary Selecky approved the change to add “spouse” to the existing language that includes “bride” and “groom.” Couples can check a box to choose the term they prefer. The new form also adds a space for gender, and adds the term “parent” to the words “mother” and “father” of the applicants. The form has been sent to local auditors around the state and is effective Thursday when the new law takes effect.
