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D.C. Same-Sex Marriage Bill Introduced

By Neetal Parekh on October 07, 2009 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

On the heels of Nevada's formal issuance of domestic partnership certificates, the nation's capital is next up for recognizing same-sex unions.  Earlier this week Washington D.C. city council members introduced the legislation, which is co-sponsored by 10 council members and supported by the mayor. 

Differing from Nevada's recognition of same-sex domestic partnerships, in D.C., the unions will be called marriages.  The legislation reportedly states that "any person...may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender."  And though it is not expected to face any opposition in council, in order to become law, the bill is subject to review by Congress within 30 days of passage in city council.

Other states that allow same-sex marriage currently are: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont.  New Hampshire is slated to begin issuing same-sex marriage certificates at the start of 2010. 

Critical review or rejection from Congress is rare, especially considering that only 3 pieces of city council legislation have been halted by Congress in the past 25 years. 

Expected to be carried into law in December 2009, the D.C. same-sex marriage bill may be enacted just in time for the holidays. 

 

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