04/07/2009
District of Columbia to Recognize Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages
Another victory today as the D.C. Council voted unanimously to recognize same-sex marriages performed out of state:
"Domestic partnerships are already legal in the nation's capital, and
gay couples married in other states are recognized as domestic partners
when they move to the city. But today's legislation, billed as an
important milestone in gay rights, explicitly recognizes them as
married couples. The initial vote was 12-0. The unanimous vote sets the stage for
future debate on legalizing gay 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."
Posted 1:10 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, News, Washington DC |
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good for D.C....i feel a little pride now living here. :-P
i really thought for a split second it said D.C. will also legalize same sex marriages. with time, i'm sure...
Posted by: liz templin | Apr 7, 2009 1:18:17 PM
Well when Congress starts to fight over this, we will clearly know who are allies and enemies are...and give us sense of how much progress we can expect to make on any LGBT legislation.
Posted by: qjersey | Apr 7, 2009 1:22:37 PM
Best. Day. Ever!
So far.
I'm gonna go celebrate at Top Shop.
Posted by: Nathan | Apr 7, 2009 1:34:29 PM
Mayor Fenty seems full supportive of allowing gay marriage. Home Rule gives some flexibility, but ultimately Congress can intercede on local decisions made in DC. DC is probably being wise is taking slow and logical steps based on the national political climate on this issue and not giving Congress a reason to fight them over their decisions. I would imagine if DOMA is overturned by the Democratically-controlled Congress, that will be strong enough signal of where they stand on this issue to give DC the confidence that they can push for marriage equality inside DC without any pushback from Congress. I doubt they'd get any now, but keep in mind the Democratic control over the Senate is certainly not overwhelming.
Posted by: Sam | Apr 7, 2009 1:35:35 PM
This is awesome news!!!
Posted by: Toby | Apr 7, 2009 1:41:47 PM
What a phenomenal week this has been. Iowa on Friday, Vermont on Tuesday, and now news of DC!
Posted by: Pender | Apr 7, 2009 1:57:18 PM
Time to visit DC and show some luv.
Posted by: www.gaygregator.com | Apr 7, 2009 2:18:43 PM
Good to see the DC Council finally challenging Congress. This certainly won't be controversial here. If we had any, you know, ACTUAL SOVEREIGNTY, gay marriage would have been approved by the Council years ago.
Posted by: ryan | Apr 7, 2009 2:31:29 PM
Feels like we're on the verge of a major tipping point here, folks!
All I can say is it's about time!
Posted by: ichabod | Apr 7, 2009 3:06:32 PM
Fenty and the DC Council will legalize same-sex marriage. It is only a matter of time.
But...
How will Grandma Pelosi deal with this latest threat to the "sanctity of heterosexual marriage"? Will she toss us under the bus and allow a free vote on the veto resolution? Or will she muzzle the Blue Dogs and risk alienating voters in conservative Middle America?
Posted by: John in CA | Apr 7, 2009 4:37:26 PM