With a vote of 11-2, the D.C. Council Tuesday approved the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009.
This legislation allows same sex couples to marry in the District of Columbia.
Author of the legislation, Councilman David Catania, was pleased with the outcome. “The bill approved by the Council today will remove the requirement that District couples travel elsewhere, often at significant expense, to exchange their vows.”
The bill also allows clergy to deny performing or solemnizing a marriage that doesn’t fit within their beliefs and religious organizations would not be required to offer their services to those embarking on a marriage that doesn’t fit within its doctrine.
“I have always believed that our public space is large enough to accommodate and respect religious freedoms while ensuring civil equality under the law for all citizens. This bill successfully balances these requirements.”
The final vote on the Act is scheduled for December 15th. If it passes then, it would be up for a Congressional review for a period of 30 days, however no members have spoken out against the bill. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty has stated he will sign the legislation.
Secured by