Gay Marriage Moves One Step Closer to Reality in D.C.

Posted on Dec 15, 2009

Flickr / hyperbolic pants explosion

The City Council in Washington, D.C., soundly passed a bill Tuesday that will make gay marriage legal in the nation’s capital if it clears a few more hurdles. However, one of those hurdles happens to be Congress, and opponents of the measure are gearing up for a battle.  —KA

The New York Times:

The bill, which passed by an 11-2 vote, may still face obstacles in Congress, among city voters and in the courts, but most advocates say they expect it to become law by the spring. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has said he will sign it.

“Today’s vote is an important victory not only for the gay and lesbian community but for everyone who supports equal rights,” said Councilman David A. Catania, an independent and the author of the bill.

Opponents have vowed to overturn the bill by putting it to a referendum or by working with Congress, which has a month to review the measure once it is signed.

The city already recognizes gay marriages performed in states where the practice is legal — Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont. New Hampshire will begin allowing same-sex marriage early next year.

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