The system works!

Just earlier this month, I cited a Wall Street Journal editorial on why the courts should remain neutral on gay marriage, which said, among other things, "leaving the debate to legislatures will also mean politicians will have to come out of the closet themselves, so to speak. They will have to declare themselves on the issue rather than hiding behind the courts."

Now, a day after the Washington State Supreme Court decided to stay out of gay marriage, here's the state's governor:

After years of declining to state her personal views on the matter -- and without using the words "civil union," -- Gov. Chris Gregoire said at a press conference a few minutes ago that the state should provide gay and lesbian couples with the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexuals, but without actual marriage.

"As to my personal beliefs, Mike and I received the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic faith," she said. "State government provided us with certain rights and responsibilities, but the state did not marry us."

"I believe the state should provide these same rights and responsibilities to all citizens. I also believe the sacrament of marriage is between two people and their faith; it is not the business of the state."