DC Coucil Says 'I Do' to Marriage Equality

Courts in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa granted same-sex marriage rights, and Vermont's legislature has overturned the state's ban. The fate of same-sex marriage in California is still in question, but what isn't is the momentum for equal marriage rights.

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

Domestic partnerships are already legal in the nation's capital. But today's vote, billed as an important milestone in gay rights, explicitly recognizes relocated gay married couples as married.

The initial vote was 12-0. 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.

Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who is gay, called the amendment a matter of "basic fairness."

Same-sex marriage has been the law for a few years now in Massachusetts and the earth hasn't stopped spinning. As far as I can tell the divorce rate for opposite sex couples hasn't spiked, which begs the question: "What's the big deal?"

It's time for full equality for lesbians and gay men.