Passage of D.C. Marriage Equality Bill Said to Be Imminent

Washington D.C. is poised to become the only jurisdiction south of the Mason-Dixon line where same-sex couples can marry, reports the Washington Post.

After months of buildup and behind-the-scenes lobbying, a bill by David A. Catania, one of two openly gay members of the council, has been drafted and is ready to be introduced in the coming weeks. Catania (I-At Large) expects a final vote before the end of the year. On Thursday, Catania said he had 10 co-sponsors, all but assuring that the measure will be approved by the council. The bill would have to survive congressional review before it could become law. Gays and lesbians from across the country would probably flock to the city to take their vows, as they did in California before voters passed a referendum banning same-sex marriages. Gay rights activists in Maryland said the sight of gay couples getting married in the District would boost the chance that the General Assembly would approve a gay marriage bill within a few year.

Sources tell the Washington Blade that Catania will introduce his bill before month's end.

The three Council members who have not committed to supporting the bill—Harry Thomas Jr. (Ward 5), Yvette M. Alexander (Ward 7) and Marion Barry (Ward 8)—represent majority black communities. Alexander is thought to be a swing vote. In May, she supported the ordinance that recognized same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions and was threatened by anti-gay black pastors.

Comments

[Michael Crawford]

Thanks Rod for your continuing coverage of our efforts to win marriage equality in DC.

We will win because of the work of a lot activists have done over the years building strong relationships with elected officials, educating our neighbors about LGBT people, and making the case for why LGBT people should be treated equally under the law.

Its also important to note that Black LGBT people had a huge role to play in getting us to this point.

We still have lots of work to do and we are prepared to do what is necessary to end marriage discrimination.

[Byron in PGC]

I live in Maryland and ad very excited about the prospect of same sex marriage in the District. I hope that MD will soon be next!

Michael you are doing a great job, I am glad to see a brotha reppin' for same sex marriage!

And thanks Rod as always for giving the news!

[Jaysin]

I also live in Maryland and am excited about this. Hopefully Maryland will join them soon. Our AG is very supportive of gay marriage.

[Jamar Herrod]

Thanks for the update Rod! This is looking like progress.