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D.C. Council Votes In Favor Of Bill That Would Recognize Same-Sex Marriage

December 1, 2009
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By Sabri Ben-Achour

The D.C. Council has voted in favor of a bill that would recognize same sex marriage. The 11 to 2 vote brings D.C. one step closer to legalizing gay marriage. There's one remaining final vote in two weeks and the mayor has to sign off on it.

Longtime gay rights advocate Peter Rosenstein said the council's action was was a victory for equality. "This was a fight for our own rights, and it was an honor to be in the room when the council voted this way," says Rosenstein.

Bishop Harry Jackson has long opposed the bill. He and others are vowing to continue a legal battle to put the question to a popular vote. "We have an uphill battle, but I think the courts will give us the opportunity to have the people decide, so it's not over until the choir lady sings," says Jackson.

If the bill passes a final vote December 15th, it could go into effect in February, making D.C. the sixth jurisdiction in the U.S. to legalize gay marriage.

Council members Yvette Alexander and Marion Barry opposed the bill.

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