WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington D.C.'s City Council has voted to legalize gay marriage in the nation's capital. Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the bill, which was co-sponsored by 10 of the council's 13 members. The final vote Tuesday was 11-2.
The bill now goes to Congress, which has final say over the district's laws. Opponents say they'll try to get Congress or voters to overturn it.
Passage of the bill is a victory for gay marriage supporters, who have been dealt a recent string of defeats in Maine, New York and New Jersey.
Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. New Hampshire will begin issuing licenses in January.
If Congress doesn't reject the bill, D.C. should start issuing marriage licenses around St. Patrick's Day.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP)—A bill to legalize gay marriage is going to the D.C. City Council for a final vote.
The bill is co-sponsored by 10 of 13 council members and is expected to pass Tuesday. Opponents have vowed to try to get voters or Congress to overturn it, though their efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Congress has final say over D.C.'s laws.
Passage of the bill would be a victory for gay marriage supporters dealt a recent string of defeats in Maine, New York and New Jersey.
Gay marriage is already legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. New Hampshire will begin issuing licenses in January.
If Congress doesn't reject the law, D.C. should start issuing marriage licenses around St. Patrick's Day.
