DC Passes Gay Marriage, Sort Of

dylan-and-ethan-ris

Dylan and Ethan Ris

Contributors
Posted:
04/7/09
Washington, DC has jumped on the gay marriage bandwagon!

Hot on the heels of Iowa (Friday) and Vermont (today), the DC City Council voted unanimously to recognize same-sex marriages as equal to any others ... just so long as they were performed in one of the four states that allows them.

The overwhelmingly liberal city would almost certainly legalize gay marriage outright, but they have this little problem with the U.S. Congress having complete and utter control over everything they do.

The D.C. Council voted today to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, on the same day that Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions.

The initial vote was 12-0. The unanimous vote sets the stage for future debate on legalizing same-sex marriage in the District and a clash with Congress, which approves the city's laws under Home Rule. The council is expected to take a final vote on the legislation next month.

We'll see if Congress intervenes with a bill to overturn the Council's decision, along with an amendment legalizing assault rifles and imposing a ban on baggy jeans.

But regardless, this is quite an amazing week for the marriage-equality movement.