Marriage applications have skyrocketed since the District started issuing licenses for same-sex couples this month, with droves of gay partners expected to relocate to the city from states where they can’t tie the knot.
About 1,100 marriage applications have been filed in the District since March 3, according to courthouse spokeswoman Leah Gurowitz, nearly six times the average monthly count.
Though the numbers are expected to fade in coming months, lawyers, politicians and gay activists say same-sex couples will continue to migrate to the District, leaving behind states where they aren’t recognized.
“Virginia is a particularly unpleasant state for the gay community,” said Peter Rosenstein, president of the Campaign for All D.C. Families, referring to the state’s refusal to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples.
Openly gay state Del. Adam Ebbin, D-Arlington, said he couldn’t blame a same-sex couple for leaving the commonwealth.
“It’s disappointing,” he said of the expected exodus. “But I understand their motivation. I’ve heard of many situations where gay couples left Virginia because they felt more comfortable somewhere else.”
Maryland, already more progressive than Virginia in its recognition of gay rights, appears to be moving closer to the District. Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler said this month that state agencies should immediately begin recognizing gay marriage — much to the chagrin of some lawmakers who say he overstepped his authority.
Gurowitz said some couples are waiting until their wedding day nears to pick up their applications, which don’t have an expiration date. Marriage licenses are issued after a three-day waiting period.
