As Washington residents prepare to vote in the November 3rd, 2009 election, the state’s bishops have released statements to help Catholics form their consciences on two ballot measures: Referendum 71 and Initiative 1033. The statements, each one page in length, are presented in Question and Answer format.

Referendum 71 seeks a statewide vote on Senate Bill (SB) 5688, which was passed by the 2009 Legislature. SB 5688 commonly known as the “everything but marriage” law, granted all of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples in Washington State. The bishops of Washington State opposed SB 5688 and oppose Referendum 71, because its legislative sponsors specifically stated that the law is part of a strategy to legalize same-sex marriage. While upholding the dignity of each individual person and opposing unjust discrimination, the Catholic Church is steadfast in its teaching that marriage is a union of one man and one woman.  Click here for a Q&A statement on R-71.

Initiative 1033 would limit the growth of certain state, county and city taxes to inflation and population growth. Revenues collected above the limit would be used to reduce property tax levies. While understanding that state and local taxes are burdensome to many, especially during tough economic times, the bishops of Washington State oppose Initiative 1033, reasoning that its passage could result in significant cuts in funding for education, public safety, health care and services for the homeless and vulnerable. The bishops note that “we must always balance individual rights and the common good.”  Click here for a Q&A statement on I-1033.

The bishops of Washington State urge all Catholics to vote after informing their consciences on these issues through prayer, Scripture reading and study.