D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty Defends Council's Gay Marriage Vote

On Tuesday, the Washington D.C. City Council voted unanimously to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other states. The big question, of course, is what will be the reaction from Congress, who has veto power over District legislation.

Adrian Fenty, the hottie and gay friendly mayor of our nation's capitol, appeared on WJLA-TV to discuss the Council's decision and how he thinks Congress will react. Rough transcript as follows:

FENTY: Well, everyone is entitled to the same rights.
Q: Do you think Congress will, using their 30 day review period, that they have on all legislation coming out of the District...the Wilson Building. To what extent are you are you worried they will move on this?
FENTY: I can never say for sure what Congress will do. I hope they will respect the will of the Council of the District of Columbia.
Q: Would you be involved in any effort that might be needed to beat back any eruption of this issue on the Hill?
FENTY: It really just depends how it erupts. It's like gun rights. People have strong views on this matter ... but I think some are uing it in some ways as a soapbox. Some congressmen are using that to reinforce to constituents back home where they are on gun rights. I don't think they really care one way or another ... if some Congressman is trying to score chips to win back home, there is nothing you can do.
Q: Should gay marriages be performed in the District? Should your citizens who don't want to go somewhere else... be able to get married?
FENTY: That will eventually happen. That was discussed a lot in the mayoral campaign. There are GLBT organizations that differ. Not because they don't support marriage, but they differ on when it should go forward.. I have always said I will sign the bill, whether I was on the council or mayor, I would either vote for legislation or sign legislation... Again there is no question where the City Council stands. We have a unanimous vote. We have a great City Council. It is probably the same with voters. The question is when is the right time when we will get the least congressional push back. But we have LGBT organizations that debated this issue at least 2 years ago.

Watch the video AFTER THE JUMP.

Asked if he would sign the marriage bill, Mayor Fenty said he would review the legislation and "I support gay marriage."

Black gay activists in our nation's capitol have "cautioned" activists who are determined to bring a marriage bill to Mayor Adrian Fenty's desk by the spring. The reason? Same-sex marriage activists "have not developed a strategy for winning support from black residents, who make up 56.5 percent of the D.C. population."

Some Background...
Will Gay Marriage Activists in DC Reach Out to Blacks? [R20]
Fenty to Meet with Activists on Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
DC Police Say Fatal Attack Robbery, Not Hate Crime [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense Alleged in Brutal DC Murder [R20]
DC Police Make Arrest in Brutal Killing of Gay Man [R20]
Report: Fenty Pledges to Sign a Gay Marriage Bill [R20]
Marion Barry Supports Gay Marriage [R20]
Fenty Staff Blamed For Objections to DP Bill [R20]
Fenty Admin. Objects to Domestic Partnership Bill [R20]
Fenty Orders Review of Marriage Options [R20]
DC Mayor Fenty Vows to Fight Rising HIV Rates [R20]

Comments

[Shane Moseley]

I love our mayor!
Just fabulous!

You go Mayor Fenty!

[Ravenback]

Rod, you are absolutely correct. It's going to be very interesting to see how Congress reacts. The House may not veto it, but the Senate is another story. But it's going to get a little hot in Congress.

[Wilson]

i am very very proud of mayor fenty. he has turned out to be such a good mayor and so progressive. he is easily the most gay friendly mayor in our history .. well, most of the recent ones have been extremely supportive of gay rights, marion barry too

[Nate]

Question: Any particular reason you insist on sexualizing the mayor and constantly call him 'hot' or 'hottie'? Just asking.

[TheRevKev]

After years of work in DC, with the DC Coalition of Black Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgenders, it's so amazing to see that my hometown, my Chocolate City, my place of birth is taking this amazingly progressive journey forward.

BRAVO TO MAYOR FENTY, for being so strong in the face of the laws of the land, which could stand up and attempt to stop him. He says I AM THIS CITY'S ELECTED MAYOR AND I SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE. Brilliant!

Nate, Mayor Fenty is smart and progressive and gay-friendly and a hottie. That's not sexualizing him. That's identifying him. He's an attractive man and we say that about others and I'm glad to say it about a smart, politically astute, man of integrity. I think it would be insulting NOT to call him attractive, when we are quick to do so with singers, actors and models. He's a man and we love men. Thus, Mayor McHottie. He's a brother who's about his business and that's the sexiest attribute in the world.

[Marcus]

Answer ... Because he's hott!

Give it a rest, mary. We say Barack Obama is handsome all the time. And the white gays have no problem declaring their love for Gavin Newsom. There is no disrespect for the man.

[Mark Andrew]

Marcus,
Wait...what? I know this wasn't your point, but can't "the white gays" call Fenty a hottie too, or "the black gays" say the same about Gavin Newsom - huh?

[CA]

Preach on, Rev Kev!

Like that Mayor McHottie! lol

[Marcus]

@ Mark Andrew:

The comparison was very relative b/c the primary focus of this blog is black gay men. Not to say there aren't many white gay men who read this blog.

The point was that Towleroad nor Queerty can call Gavin Newsom "hot" or somethimng and it's no big deal. And when Rod does the same thing with Adrian Fenty, some of the queens catch the vapors and need smelling salts.

Hope that clears things up ...

[Mark]

Marcus,
I was not sure if I was reading something in, but thanks for clarifying :) I happen to think they are both hot.

[isis]

Such a handsome and intelligent man! Many need to take notes on this man, including President Obama!

[Darren]

I heard that Isis, you can say that again!

You ain't bad mami, you are welcome here anytime! ;)

[Dr. T]

Ok- so he's gay-friendly. But this guy is the worst thing that has happened to DC in years. So sad that folks can't see past his looks... but what should we expect???

[Lamar]

Well, this is a gay blog so we are concerned about things like that politicians supporting gay rights ... when many do not, doc.

But what are your complaints?