D.C. Council approves same-sex marriage 11-2

In a second and final vote on the measure, the D.C. Council officially passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday afternoon. The bill awaits Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's signature -- which is expected before Christmas -- and then will go through a congressional review period. If the bill passes that hurdle, same-sex marriages could begin as early as spring 2010.

To block the legislation, the Democratic-controlled House and Senate and President Obama all would have to sign off on a disapproval resolution within 30 legislative days, which advocates say is not likely.

The vote followed statements by each Council member, including sponsor David Catania (I-At Large), who forgave those he knew would vote against the measure, and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), who explained why he would not support it and expressed admiration for the city's gay community.

Barry and Alexander again were the two votes against the same-sex marriage bill.



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