Gay Marriage Bill Expected to Pass in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.'s city council will vote next week on a measure that would legalize same-sex marriage in the nation's capital. It's expected to pass the required two votes, and Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty has said he would sign the bill into law.

The district could start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex partners early next year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

D.C. is under limited home rule, which means Congress has 30 legislative days to undo any law the council passes. In the past, Congress has overturned city rules related to gun rights and medical marijuana. However in the case of gay marriage, Congress is unlikely to act because Republicans, who mostly oppose the bill, say they won't be able to attract enough Democrats to go along.

Washington D.C. would join Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont as places where same-sex couples can legally marry.