The D.C. Council on Tuesday took the penultimate step to legalized gay marriage in the nation’s capital, a proposal deemed by some to be a milestone in the near 30-year march to equality in Washington, and by others as a crushing blow to a traditional institution.
The 11-2 vote in favor of legalized same-sex marriage was expected. Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry and Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander, who represent majority black communities, both voted no.
“There are some in opposition who have said that marriage equality is not a civil right,” said at-large Councilman Phil Mendelson, who shepherded the bill through his judiciary committee. “I completely disagree with this.”
At-large Councilman David Catania, who drafted the bill, described the first of two votes — the second is scheduled for Dec. 15 — as a “milestone,” because “it is bringing some truth to those worlds that ‘All men are created equal.’
“It’s a day I never thought I would see and never thought I would have the opportunity to participate in as a gay person,” Catania said.
Mayor Adrian Fenty is expected to sign the bill after its adoption by the council. It will then be forwarded to Congress for a mandatory 30-day review. If it survives, D.C. would join five states where gay marriage is legal.
Opponents continue to fight on multiple fronts, including Capitol Hill and the judicial system. Supporters of a voter referendum on the matter filed an appeal in D.C. Superior Court after the city’s elections board tossed their proposal.
“What we’re looking at is the potential disintegration of an institution,” said Bishop Harry Jackson of Beltsville’s Hope Christian Church, who led the ballot initiative effort.
The legislation exempts all religious entities from having to perform or facilitate a gay marriage. But it does not allow those institutions to deny a gay married couple adoption services, for example.
The legislation exempts all religious entities from having to perform or facilitate a gay marriage. But it does not allow those institutions to deny a gay married couple adoption services, for example.
The Catholic Church hopes to work with the council over the next two weeks for a broader exemption, said Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington.
But the church’s claim that it will no longer be able to provide certain social services if the bill passes did not fly. Catholic Charities can be replaced, said Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells, chairman of the human services committee.
Barry, meanwhile, said he supports the gay and lesbian community “on almost every issue except this one.” In a democracy, the former mayor said, he has the right to dissent.
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Iowa
Vermont
New Hampshire, as of Jan. 1
D.C. and New York recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere.
