The critical DC same sex marriage bill was approved by members of the the DC City Council on Tuesday. The New York Times reports that the bill which would allow gay marriage south of the Mason-Dixon line, passed with an 11-2 vote.
It is important to realize that this bill still faces some major hurdles. As we wrote about in Law and Daily Life, Congress does have the power to block such legislation.
A Republican from Utah who oversees the district plans on using a variety of methods to block the measure. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah told ABC News: “Some people legitimately and often ask: ‘Why is it that a congressman from Utah, or anyplace else, is sticking their nose in this? Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution says that in all cases, the Congress shall oversee the laws of Washington, D.C., and that is what we’re trying to do.”
However, DC same sex marriage advocates are taking the time out to celebrate this victory. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty has said he will sign the approved same sex marriage bill. Councilman David A. Catania, the first openly gay councilman and author of the bill, told the New York Times: “Today’s vote is an important victory not only for the gay and lesbian community but for everyone who supports equal rights.”
Related Resources:
- The DC Same Sex Marriage Vote (Findlaw’s Law and Daily Life)
- D.C. Same-Sex Marriage Bill Introduced (Findlaw’s Law and Daily Life)
- Same-Sex Marriage Making Strides (Findlaw)
- Marriage and the Law (provided by Law Office of Raymond B. Benzinger, P.C.)
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