However, one more challenge stands in the way: the referendum.

Washington's bill was passed without a referendum clause, yet many in the state are planning to challenge the legislation regardless. Gay supporters should all have reason to fear the popular vote; California's Proposition 8 is still a sore defeat in many activists' memories. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey wants to avoid the political liability of gay marriage altogether by putting it to a referendum — a suggestion that many politicians, afraid for their careers, are willing to back.

Referendums themselves are great and often ignored political tools. It seems that the gay community has mastered the art of putting pressure on politicians and winning their support. Can it boast the same kind of support in a popular vote? If the answer is no — and this growing fear of a referendum in Washington raises some suspicion — then gay activists have failed to win the hearts and minds of the ones who really count in legislative battles: the people.

As gay marriage bills find their way into more and more state legislatures, their supporters need to remember those who stand behind senators and representatives — and not the politicians themselves — always hold the final vote.