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DC approves same-sex marriage law | DC approves same-sex marriage law |
(30 minutes later) | |
Washington DC city council has voted to recognise same-sex marriages conducted in other US states. | Washington DC city council has voted to recognise same-sex marriages conducted in other US states. |
Because Washington DC is not a state, the decision will now have to be approved by Congress before it can become law. | Because Washington DC is not a state, the decision will now have to be approved by Congress before it can become law. |
Four US states - Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa - now permit gay marriage, and legislation to allow it is in progress in other states. | Four US states - Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa - now permit gay marriage, and legislation to allow it is in progress in other states. |
The resolution was passed in the council by 12 votes to one. | The resolution was passed in the council by 12 votes to one. |
Council member David A Catania - one of two openly gay members of the body - explained his reasons for supporting the measure during the debate. | Council member David A Catania - one of two openly gay members of the body - explained his reasons for supporting the measure during the debate. |
"This issue is whether or not our colleagues on a personal level view me and [Council member] Jim Graham as your equals," he said. | "This issue is whether or not our colleagues on a personal level view me and [Council member] Jim Graham as your equals," he said. |
"If we are permitted the same rights and responsibilities and obligations as our colleagues. So this is personal. This is acknowledging our families as much as we acknowledge you." | "If we are permitted the same rights and responsibilities and obligations as our colleagues. So this is personal. This is acknowledging our families as much as we acknowledge you." |
Fellow council member, and former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry, was the only member to vote against the proposal. | Fellow council member, and former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry, was the only member to vote against the proposal. |
"I understand this is personal to you and Mr Graham," he said in response to Mr Catania's remarks. | "I understand this is personal to you and Mr Graham," he said in response to Mr Catania's remarks. |
"I resent Mr Catania saying either you are a bigot or against bigotry as though this particular legislation represents all of that." | "I resent Mr Catania saying either you are a bigot or against bigotry as though this particular legislation represents all of that." |
The law will be sent to DC Mayor Adrian Fenty - a supporter of gay marriage - for approval, before being placed before Congress. |