Obama voices support for referendum on same-sex marriage

President Barack Obama released a statement Thursday voicing his support for legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state.

The announcement for support of Referendum 74, a measure on the ballot to legalize gay marriage, came in from the president's Washington Press Secretary Paul Bell. The announcement read:

"While the president does not weigh in on every single ballot measure in every state, the president believes in treating everyone fairly and equally, with dignity and respect. Washington's same-sex marriage law would treat all Washington couples equally, and that is why the President supports a vote approving Referendum 74."

Zach Silk, the campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage, a group supporting R-74, said the president's support for marriage equality reflects a shift in attitudes in Washington state and across the country.

"As more people, and more voters, realize that only marriage fully protects and supports families, they move towards supporting marriage for same-sex couples couples and approving Referendum 74," Silk said.

Silk went on to say that the campaign to approve R-74 is in the "home stretch," and thousands of volunteers have been mobilized.

"We feel momentum is on our side, and having the President weigh in on approving Referendum 74 puts an extra gust of wind in our sails," he said.