Washington state has moved one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage.

The state House passed the bill Wednesday, after the Senate approved it last week. Washington's Democratic governor is expected to sign the bill into law next week.

But it could be put on hold if gay marriage opponents succeed in putting the measure on a statewide ballot in November elections.
    
When given the choice, voters in 31 states have voted against legalizing same-sex marriage.
    
Earlier this week, a federal court struck down California's constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman.