In the midst of all the bad news the LGBT community has been getting, today there was a wonderful respite. DC Mayor Fenty (left) signed the same-sex marriage bill with great fanfare, in All Souls Church, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. After signing, he graciously handed the pen to Councilor David Catania (I-At Large), who is openly gay and co-sponsored the measure. Unless Congress steps in and stops the bill, same-sex marriage will be the law in DC in thirty days. Here are Mayor Fenty's remarks at the ceremony:
Today, an era of struggle ends for thousands of District residents who have been denied the fundamental to right to marry the person of their choosing
Today, the city is taking a leap forward in ensuring freedom and equality for all residents.
This is a historic and extraordinary moment in the nation's capital. And I am proud to be the Mayor of a city that stood up against an issue that tramples the basic rights and civil liberties of our neighbors, families and friends.
Last month when the DC Council introduced the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, you came out in vast numbers in support of it. You gathered, testified and made it known to the world that we will no longer endure the weight of marriage inequality, not now, not ever.
Marriage inequality is a civil rights, political, social, moral, and religious issue in this country and many nations. And as I sign this act into law, the District from this day forward will set the tone for other jurisdictions to follow in creating an open and inclusive city.
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