D.C. Council passes same-sex marriage bill

Washington Times ^ | 12/15/2009 | David C. Lipscomb

[markomalley]

The D.C. Council on Tuesday passed a same-sex marriage bill on a final vote of 11-2, prompting public witnesses in the Council chambers to erupt into cheers and extended applause.

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray allowed the applause for several seconds, then banged his gavel as the noise subsided and reminded the crowd that demonstrations are not allowed in the chambers. He chuckled as the crowd laughed in response.

The bill, which could be signed by the mayor as early as tonight, must go to Congress for a review period of 30 legislative days before it becomes law.

"Today is the final step in a long march toward equality," said Council member Phil Mendelson, at-large Democrat.

Mr. Mendelson is chairman of the Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, which has been responsible for ushering the bill through the Council, a process that included hearing more than 18 hours of public testimony.

Council member Jim Graham, Ward 1 Democrat and one of two openly gay members of the Council, said the vote "culminates decades of work."

"There's a phrase 'We've come a long way, baby.' We've done more than that here in the District of Columbia," Mr. Graham said. "In fact, we've come all the way."

[markomalley]

Now I hope that Archbishop Wuerl doesn't fold on his promise (that if a charitable operation run by the Church is forced to comply with the law's provisions, he'll shut it down before doing so).

[bitterohiogunclinger]

One more example of why the D.C. stands for Demented and Corrupt.

[malkee]

I think he will. He doesn’t make statements lightly.

[malkee]

ping

[SumProVita]

I’m sure the Bishop will stand firm on this! ;-)

Poor DC....this horrible law....and the Feds not allowing vouchers for the children (who have proven by their improved learning that it works)!

Liberals hurt people....

[Soothesayer]

We could legalize gay marriage in every state and even offer monetary rewards for gay marriage and this will not be enough.

These mentally ill people will always be in pain and will blame others for it.

[Hoodat]

I remember many years ago when the DC Council voted to lower the age of consent to 12.

[xrmusn]

Poor DC...etc...etc..

---

Well if you are local you know there is a very good reason it wouldn’t go on the ballot for the PEOPLE to decide... I kind of think that come next election a lot off Councilmen will be looking for jobs and watch Marion Berry either come back as Mayor, or at least head the City Council...kind of like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire...
BTW Barry first introduced the bill FOR marriage but the Council either voted to censure him or tried to get him to resign (Over an unrelated item)...Either way, he became ANTI very quickly and stuck to his guns.....

[kaehurowing]

If they were really serious they would shut down Catholic University and Georgetown. But it won’t happen.