Great news for gay and lesbian Washington couples. Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation on Monday, Feb 10, making Washing the seventh state to legalize gay marriage in the United States following New York.

"This is a very proud moment. ... I'm proud of who and what we are as a state," Gregoire said after signing the bill.

The news came days after the historic and controversial Proposition 8 bill banning gay marriage in California was ruled unconstitutional.

Washington joins a list of six other states that welcome same-sex unions, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Iowa - as does the District of Columbia.

Washington's gay marriage law approved by the predominately Democratic state legislature doesn't take effect until mid June, after the standard grace period. Opponents says they will work to put the issue before the November ballot to let voters decide.

Still, this is a landmark victory for gay rights activists and the gay community. The bill gained momentum after Gregoire in her last term endorsed the measure. Support also came from major companies in the area such as Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks.

Similar measures are being pushed in Maryland and New Jersey.