Washington D.C. Legalizes Gay Marriage
The City Council in the nation’s capital voted today to legalize gay marriage.
Co-sponsored by 10 of the council’s 13 members, the marriage bill won by a vote of 11-2. It now goes to Congress, which has final say over the district’s laws. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the bill, while opponents say that they will attempt to get Congress or voters to overturn it. If Congress does not take action to overturn the bill, D.C. will begin issuing marriage licenses in mid-March.
This victory for marriage equality is especially poignant when considering the recent string of defeats in Maine and New York, as well as delays in New Jersey.
Equality Illinois applauds the D.C. City Council for standing up for fairness and equality for all people, but we are mindful that the struggle for full equality still marches on. Until the day that our fellow Americans no longer vote to overturn the rights of a minority, and until all citizens are afforded full and equal rights, our work continues.
You can do your part to help ensure that Illinois becomes a place where all people are treated fairly and equitably by contacting your legislators and telling them that all Illinois’ families should be honored, recognized and respected. Help Equality Illinois do our part in securing, protecting and defending the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois by making a contribution today.
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Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest’s largest gay civil rights organizations.
