DC Council Approves Same-Sex Marriages
The City Council of Washington, DC, has approved recognition of same-sex couples who get married in other states where it is already legal. According to the Washington Post newspaper’s website, the Council will have to finalize their vote by voting again next month (why is not immediately clear).
This sets up a likely constitutional battle with the US Congress, which also has to approve DC’s laws.
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The D.C. Council has voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states on the same day that Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions.
Domestic partnerships already are legal in the nation’s capital, and gay couples married in other states are recognized as domestic partners when they move 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.