Washington state has joined six other US states in recognising same-sex marriage.

As expected, opponents have already vowed to prevent the measure from ever taking effect, but proponents of the bill are spending this week revelling in their success.

Governor Christine Gregoire signed the measure on Monday (US Time), but it will remain on hold until early June, following a standard enactment period that runs until 90 days after Washington’s legislative session ends.

Gregoire says, “This is a very proud moment. … I’m proud of who and what we are as a state.”

Momentum for same-sex marriage is building Stateside – California legislature recently voted anti-gay-marriage measure Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The state of New Jersey has also signed a same-sex marriage measure, but this measure is expected to be vetoed by the state’s republican governor.