The Seattle Times endorses same-sex marriage in Washington, and asks voters to strongly approve the law passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Referendum 74 is about allowing gays and lesbians to live their own lives, and raise their families within the laws and covenant of marriage. The Times has made that point in editorials, staff columns, op-ed commentaries and videos.

As I noted in a column last January, a vote for passage of legislation allowing same-sex marriage is a fundamentally conservative endorsement of families and family values. The law gives gays and lesbians the rights and responsibilities that go with family life, and the opportunity to make the fullest possible expression of that public commitment.

Approve R-74. Acknowledge and respect the desire of loving couples to be legally married partners. Help build families.