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Mayor Fenty Signs DC Same Sex Marriage Bill

By Minara El-Rahman on December 21, 2009 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the DC same sex marriage bill that recently passed in the DC Council twice. CNN reports that Mayor Fenty signed the DC same sex marriage bill at the All Souls Church; which is a religious institution that recognizes same sex couples and is known for its diversity. The bill would allow gay marriage for same sex couples in DC.

The DC same sex marriage bill now needs to gain approval with Congress. Congress will have a 30 day review period in order assess whether the bill should be passed or not. Congress has the power to reverse laws that are passed by the DC Council. Some speculate that the measure will pass since there is a Democratic majority on Capitol Hill at the moment.

However, there have been some members of Congress who have been very vocal about their opposition. As we wrote about previously in Law and Daily Life, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah said: "Some people legitimately and often ask: 'Why is it that a congressman from Utah, or anyplace else, is sticking their nose in this? Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution says that in all cases, the Congress shall oversee the laws of Washington, D.C., and that is what we're trying to do."

Other groups opposed to the law have voiced that they will fight back. Brian Brown, executive director of The National Organization for Marriage told CNN: "Politicians on the city council are acting as if they have the right through legislation to deprive citizens of D.C. of their core civil right to vote, but we will not let them get away with it."

DC will join Connecticut, Vermont, and Iowa in their recognition of same sex marriages. New Hampshire will join this group when its law takes effect on January 1, 2010.

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