D.C. City Council votes to legalize Gay Marriage
source: http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_14000504#ixzz0Zmz0AwND
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- jeffissleeping
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Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the bill, which passed 11-2, and gay couples could begin marrying as early as March. Congress, which has final say over Washington's laws, could reject it, but Democratic leaders have suggested they are reluctant to do so.
The bill had overwhelming support among council members and was expected to pass, though opponents have vowed to try to get Congress or voters to overturn it.
David Catania, who introduced the bill and is one of two openly gay council members, called the bill a "matter of social justice" before the vote.
Two members voted "I do" when their names came up, and when the vote finished a packed chamber erupted into cheers and clapping. The "no" votes included former mayor Marion Barry, now a council member.
If Congress does not reject the bill, the district will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. They will be able to wed in New Hampshire starting in January.
Gay marriage supporters have had less success elsewhere recently. Maine voters overturned the state's same-sex marriage law last month. Earlier this month, the New York state Senate rejected a bill that would have allowed gay couples to marry. And New Jersey's legislature, which had been working on a same-sex marriage bill, postponed a recent vote when the measure appeared headed for defeat.
Tuesday's vote in the district came after several months of discussion, including two marathon council hearings at which some 250 witnesses testified.
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_14000504#ixzz0Zmz0AwND
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morirjedi
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As long as two people love and respect each other and those around them. Then so be it. I live in MD just outside DC and hope this passes. all deserve equal protection under the law.
- 2 years ago
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morirjedi
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SleepDirt
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Hurray! Gay marriage now legal in over 136% of the nation's states (Fox math).
Seriously, though, I believe it exceeds 15% of the 54 states (Damn, Obama math! Do'h.)
- 2 years ago
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SleepDirt
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EdJoyProductions
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Yay! Stupid bigots didn't win for a change. I love when that happens!
- 2 years ago
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EdJoyProductions
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ryan8566
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keep in mind that the Roman Catholic Church has said that if this is given final approval, it would cut back on programs for the homeless, food pantries, and other social services. i think there will be some 'lobbying' going on in the 30 days allowed to congress to vote.
- 2 years ago
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ryan8566
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jubal
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ryan8566:
Sorry to say this in such a brash manner, but fuck the Catholic Church. Who needs their charity with strings attached anyways?
- 2 years ago
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jubal
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timetide
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goddess I want to cry right now. For the heart of our nations political structure to take this step is one of the most encouraging signs I've seen in a long time.
- 2 years ago
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timetide
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fun_size
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Its only a matter of time til gay marriage is legalized. You cant stand in the way of progress!
- 2 years ago
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fun_size
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EmperorThan
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I'm pretty sure the Constitution already legalizes gay marriage in that whole 'equality' part. But a nice gesture nonetheless.
- 2 years ago
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EmperorThan
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