DC Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes in First of Two Votes

The Washington, DC city council voted today to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill passed in an 11 to 2 vote and must undergo a second vote before it reaches Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. Mayor Fenty has agreed to sign the measure, according to the Washington Post.

Council member Phil Mendelson, a supporter of the bill told the Washington Times, "I don't think it's a giant step; it's a final step". If the bill is not overturned during a mandatory 30 day congressional review, then Washington D.C. will join Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont in granting same-sex marriages.

President of the Campaign for All D.C. Families, Aisha Mills said, "I would to thank the Council and all of the advocates for their work on this first step toward ensuring that gay and lesbian couples are able to make a lifelong commitment to take care of and be responsible for one another," according to Queery.

DC does remain divided on this issue. In recent weeks, the Catholic Church Archdiocese of Washington, DC has threatened to stop offering social services if the city passes the bill to legalize same-sex marriage. There have also been several legal attempts to prevent same-sex marriage in the District.

Media Resources: Feminist Newswire 11/13/09; Washington Times 12/1/09; Washington Post 12/1/09; Queery 12/1/09

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