Washington city votes to legalize gay marriage

By Karin Zeitvogel (AFP)
posted December 16, 2009

WASHINGTON — The US capital took a first step towards joining a handful of states that recognize same-sex unions as the city council voted to legalize gay marriage.

The bill to allow same-sex couples to wed was passed by 11 votes in favor and two against, said an official at the council, who asked not to be named.

Former Washington mayor Marion Barry and councilwoman Yvette Alexander voted against the bill.

Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to endorse the law, but because the US Congress has jurisdiction over governance in Washington, same-sex marriage will not become legal in the US capital until it survives a 30-day congressional review period.

The half-million-strong National Organization for Women (NOW) hailed the vote in favor of gay marriage, saying it was a sign that "discrimination against same-sex couples is coming to an end in this country." the rest