One month after Washington State voters approved the state's marriage equality law in Ref. 74, couples lined up to get marriage licenses on December 6th, 2012. Shortly after midnight, Amanda Beane and Anne Bryson-Beane, of Seattle, were granted their license by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The couple have adopted 7 children, of whom helps hold up their newly aquired license as one scurries back to her brothers and sisters. Amanda and Anne have been together 15 years. Each of our adopted children understands that you can call someone family all you want, but until the court says it's forever, you are not seen as a 'real' family. When I marry my wife, for the first time our family will be seen by everyone for what we are - a forever family.? Amanda: ?One of my most difficult experiences as a parent has been watching our seven children learn that their parents are not legally married, only because we were not allowed to be. Our marriage shows our children that Washington values and protects our family the same as other families, and I am so grateful that we can provide them that security.? ..The adoption agency Amara produced a video (?Seven Children Find a Permanent Home?) that tells the family story. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucUktPm9ZUE.
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