Washington United for Marriage Announces Video Contest Winner

Vancouver Family Tops In Supporters Online Voting

 Washington United for Marriage (WUM), the broad coalition fighting to defend the state’s marriage law by approving Referendum 74, today announced that a Vancouver family with eight-year-old twins won the video contest where nearly 60 supporters sent submissions answering the core question of “Why Marriage Matters.” A total of 1,213 votes were cast through an online ballot.

“This was such a tough call,” said Lacey All, Chair of WUM. “But our supporters were drawn, as we were, to eight-year-old Emma introducing her family and asking viewers to vote this November to Approve Referendum 74.”

Emma and her twin brother, Jacob attend school in the Battleground School District, where their parents say they are “fantastic students.” While Jacob scores on the soccer field, Emma has turned her talents to hip hop dancing.  JJ Flentke, 42, is a physical therapist and Teresa Terry, 52, teaches at Portland Community College.

Among the finalists was a mother, Sonya Marinoni of Bainbridge Island, who said she was delighted her daughter could marry her longtime partner in New York state, but asked voters to approve R74 so other Washington parents can see their children wed here.  Also up for supporter viewing and voting was Nathan Tedrow of Seattle, who volunteers for WUM and gave a heartfelt case for the freedom to marry. See all three videos here:  http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org/and-the-video-contest-winner-is/

“We are your average American family. We go to sports, dances, and participate in school events. We belong to the PTA,” said JJ. “Our children deserve to have their mother’s commitment to one another recognized like their friend’s parent’s marriages already are. “

“It has been an honor for me to participate,” said eight-year-old Emma.  “I cannot wait to plan the wedding.  I think the big question is what flavor should the cake be?”

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