Sims hopes the next generation of legal minds will recognize a homosexual right to wed. He says his next step is to push for civil unions.

One of the people bringing the case, Marge Ballack of Spokane, told KOMO Radio in Seattle that she was shocked by the decision. She says, "We'll regroup and fight the good fight." Another plaintiff, Brenda Bauer of Seattle says, "This is a sad day for our family" because she says the court was willing to treat her family differently than other families.

Family and religious groups are calling the decision a win for traditional values.

Jon Russell of the "Faith and Freedom Network," which intervened in the case says he's pleasantly shocked. He was prepared the ruling would go in the other direction.

Senate Democratic Majority Leader Lisa Brown of Spokane says the Legislature is as divided over the issue as the public.

The minority Republican leader in the state House, Doug Erickson of Ferndale, told KOMO Radio he does not expect much activity on the gay marriage issue in the next session of the Legislature because there was overwhelming support for the Defense of Marriage Act.

State Representative Ed Murray of Seattle, who is gay, told KIRO Radio the ruling is a disappointment but historically courts have turned around on other issues.

He says, "Discrimination is still the law of the land in this state.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)