Another Victory Today: D.C. Will Recognize Same-Sex Marriages

UTF earlier reported about the efforts being made to bring same-sex marriage to the United State's Capitol.

This effort just received a major boost today.

The D.C. Council voted today 12-0 to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, on the same day that Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions.

Though domestic partnerships are already legal and those who move to the city with partnerships from other parts of the country are recognized, today's approved legislation explicitly recognizes them as married couples. This is a huge milestone.

And it puts marriage equality right at the White House's doorstep.

According to the Washington Post, "The unanimous vote sets the stage for future debate on legalizing same-sex marriage in the District and a clash with Congress, which approves the city's laws under Home Rule. The council is expected to take a final vote on the legislation next month."

Gay council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) believes the council will soon take up a bill to legalize same-sex marriage for the District itself.

"It's no secret that I have been working on legislation that would take us further," he said. "This is the march toward human rights and equality. This is not the march toward special rights. This is the equal march and that march is coming here."