Gay Marriage Coming to Washington D.C.

D.C. Gay Marriage Bill Seems Unstoppable

WASHINGTON — A bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the nation's capital was introduced Tuesday, a measure that even opponents acknowledged seems almost unstoppable.
The bill was nearly certain to pass the D.C. city council, but whether it becomes law is more complicated because Congress gets an opportunity to review D.C. legislation before it takes effect. Still, even challengers in Congress acknowledged the bill was likely to become law.
The city began in July recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Congress had a chance to act on that legislation but didn't.

Marriage Equality Victories, Will Democrats Stand or Run?

The march toward marriage equality is picking up speed!

Main Gov. Signs Marriage Bill
Maine governor John E. Baldacci signed legislation Wednesday that will enact marriage equality for the fourth state in New England.

Next up is New Hampshire, where the legislature of that state sent a marriage equality to the governor for his signature...

And the Washington D.C. city council passed a measure to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry cast the only vote against the measure.

Barry, a former mayor of D.C. who previously has expressed support for gay rights, initially said he would support the marriage measure, which passed the city council by a vote of 12 to 1. It now moves to Mayor Adrian Fenty, who is expected to sign it, and on to Congress, which oversees the District's laws.

Marriage-equality opponents led by African-American ministers protested yesterday’s vote and vowed electoral defeat for council members who supported the proposal.

Barry also predicted significant civil distress should broader measures for marriage equality advance. "All hell is going to break lose," he said. "We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this."

First, I don't think Marion Barry is in a position to speak for the "black community." Let him without sin cast the first stone..

Second, why are these black ministers risking their churches' tax exempt status to campaign against city council members who support marriage equality??

And why are "Democratic leaders" running in fear from this vote supporting the civil rights of LGBT people? When will Democrats, including Barack Obama, get a backbone and stand up for the rights of gay people?

NYT: Obama Under Pressure to Deliver on Gay Issues