<p align=center><strong>Catholics Play Prominent Role in Bill&rsquo;s Passage</strong></p> <p><strong>Feb. 2 2012</strong>. In the wake of the Washington State Senate&rsquo;s vote endorsing same-sex marriage DignityUSA applauds the leadership of Catholic legislators in getting one step closer to equality.</p> <p>Leo Egashira of Seattle a DignityUSA Board member said &quot;Prominent Catholic lawmakers in Washington State voted with their consciences and their&nbsp;hearts for justice and equality. Their actions demonstrate the kind of commitment to dismantling unjust structures that lies at the heart of Catholic social justice teaching. I&rsquo;m so proud to be a Washington state resident and part of a Church that produces public servants committed to the entire community.&rdquo;</p> <p>Among Catholics whose efforts ensured the bill&rsquo;s passage DignityUSA noted the impact of Senator Ed Murray who sponsored the bill and Senator Mary Margaret Haugen who represented the 25^th vote making passage certain.</p> <p>DignityUSA will be praying for all involved as the bill moves to Washington&rsquo;s House for consideration.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>DignityUSA is the nation&rsquo;s oldest and largest organization of LGBT Catholics our families friends and supporters. Founded in 1969 it has members and Chapters across the U.S.</em></p>