D.C. Council recognizes gay marriage

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By Gary Emerling

UPDATED:

The D.C. Council overwhelmingly voted Tuesday in favor of legislation recognizing gay marriages from other states -- a move city lawmakers lauded as a step toward legalizing such marriages in the city.

"This is the march toward human rights and equality," said Council member David A. Catania, at-large independent. "And that march is coming here."

If signed into law, the bill will allow gay D.C. couples to marry in one of four states that allow such marriages, then return to the District and have the marriage recognized under city law.

The 13-member council gave preliminary approval to the bill on the same day Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions. The Vermont legislature voted to override the governor's veto and allow gay marriages.

The D.C. legislation faces final approval by the council next month, then it must be reviewed by Congress, which has final say over most city laws.

The three other states that approve same-sex marriages are Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa.

Mr. Catania, who is gay, said he expected no opposition from Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Democrat.

"Today was the right day to move forward on this issue given what has happened" in Vermont, Mr. Catania also said.

Fenty spokeswoman Leslie Kershaw said the mayor is reviewing the legislation.