(Seattle Times) Opponents of same-sex marriage have conceded, saying it appears that Referendum 74 will pass.
Approval of the measure will make Washington the ninth state to allow gay marriage and the third to do so this week. Same-sex marriage is also legal in the District of Columbia.
"With added results showing that we have not closed the gap, it now appears clear that Referendum 74 will be narrowly approved," said Joseph Backholm, chairman of Preserve Marriage Washington, which worked to defeat the measure.
"We are disappointed in losing a tough election battle on marriage by a narrow margin. But while we are disappointed, we are not defeated."
After crunching their own numbers, backers of the measure on Wednesday declared victory.