D.C. Council agrees to recognize same-sex marriages
By: Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer
May 6, 2009
The D.C. Council on Tuesday agreed to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions, spurring chaos outside the council chambers and a warning from a councilman of impending “civil war” if the District moves ahead with gay marriage legislation.
Will D.C. be next?
States that allow same-sex marriages:
» Massachusetts
» Connecticut
» Vermont
» Iowa
The recognition measure passed, as expected, by a 12-1 vote, with only Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry dissenting. Barry said his decision was “agonizing and difficult,” given his 40-year friendship with the gay community. But the vast majority of his constituents, the former mayor said, oppose gay marriage.
After the vote, a ruckus ensued outside the chambers as gay marriage supporters celebrated and opponents shrilled in anger. What will happen, Barry was asked, when the council takes up gay marriage in D.C., as it is likely to do this year?
“All hell’s gonna break loose,” he said. “We’re gonna have a civil war. The black community is so adamant against this.”
At-large Councilman David Catania, one of the council’s two openly gay members, accused Barry of holding a “bigoted position.”
“This is about acknowledging our families as much as we acknowledge yours,” Catania said.
The recognition bill now goes to Mayor Adrian Fenty for his signature and then to Congress for a 30-day review.
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton said in a statement she did not believe “that a serious attempt to overturn the Council bill will be made or would be successful.” But she pledged to protect it nevertheless.
The measure is widely considered the last step before gay marriage legislation is introduced in the District, likely by Catania.
“While I think we could lose one or two people, you can’t deny that we voted for same-sex marriage today, and we would recognize it,” said Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells.
At-large Councilman Phil Mendelson attached the recognition language to a bill related to records access by the U.S. District Court. The measure was on the consent agenda and passed without discussion by a 13-0 vote, according to the council’s Office of the Secretary. But Barry, who later explained he was distracted, asked for reconsideration and the debate ensued.
After the vote, security attempted to control a raucous crowd outside the chambers.
Juan Campos and Ed Grandis, Dupont Circle residents who were married last July in West Hollywood, rejoiced. It is the government’s responsibility, Grandis said, “to honor both the city’s and the federal government’s equal protection clause.”
Gay marriage opponents, mainly vocal members of the clergy, shouted, “Get them off that seat! Get them out of that council!”
“Catania first,” the Rev. Charlie Smith said. “No matter what ward you’re in, you can vote Catania out.”
