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“The vote was not even close, and it means that barring some unforeseen development that what we call gay marriage could be legal in D.C. as early as next month.” (WJLA)

Gay marriage passed its first hurdle for couples living in Washington, D.C.  The D.C. council voted 11-2 to extend marriage to same-sex couples. The bill still needs to pass one more vote held in two weeks and get the mayor’s signature before it goes into effect, but both seem likely.
 
We’re looking at perspectives from WJLA, Fox 5, WUS9, and The Washington Post.
 
An ABC affiliate in Washington said the council and mayor’s approval make the bill’s passage almost certain, but it offers this perspective from an opponent who would have preferred a referendum on the matter.
 
“Advocates of gay marriage or same sex marriage want anything but letting the people vote.”

The local FOX News affiliate noted the significance of the first vote on the bill, but emphasized that it will continue to face opposition before its next and final vote.

“The measure is historic and some gay couples are already planning marriages though it is not a done deal yet, a second and final vote is scheduled in two weeks. Nobody’s surprised the bill passed, but opponents of the bill have not given up yet.”

The Archdiocese of Washington, one of the biggest opponents, wants to revise the language in the bill or it says it will refuse city funding to run social service programs. The local CBS affiliate WUSA 9 explains.

“Catholic charities that receive millions of dollars in city funds to run its social services programs is threatening to go it alone or close some shops rather than be forced to recognize marriages between two men or two women.”

The Washington Post reports that the yes vote on gay marriage has been in the works for years in Washington, D.C.

“Council members and gay rights activists hailed the vote as the end of a decades-long struggle that started in 1975, when then-council member Arrington Dixon (D) first proposed legalizing same-sex marriage in the District.”

So, what do you think? Will gay marriage pass the final hurdles in Washington, D.C. and become legal? Do you think the Archdiocese will follow through on its threat to cut social programs in the district?

Writer: Sarah Rappaport

Producer: Katlin Chadwick