Democratic Sen. Kevin Ranker of Friday Harbor told his colleagues he was leaving to witness an important wedding over the weekend.

During a break in floor action in the Senate Friday, Ranker said he'd be going to New York be in the wedding party as his father, Gary, marries his partner of 16 years, Shan Gilani, on Sunday in Manhattan. New York is one of nine states, plus Washington, D.C., that have legalized gay marriage. Ranker specifically noted the passage of same-sex marriage in Washington state last year, thanking his colleagues for the "incredibly respectful dialogue" during that debate. That law was ultimately upheld by voters in November.

Ranker said his father splits his time between Manhattan and Orcas Island. He later said by email that while "growing up, I never imagined this day would come for my family. "