The Washington D.C. Council has
approved a measure to recognize legal gay marriages performed in
other states and countries, reports the Washington Times.
“This is the march towards human
rights and equality,” Council member David A. Catania told city
leaders. “It is not the march towards special rights ... and that
march is coming here.”
“It is both significant and
appropriate that America's capital city has taken a giant step
forward in recognizing our nation's promise of 'liberty and justice
for all.'” Steve Ralls, director of communications at Parents,
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), told On Top
Magazine.
Council members voted unanimously 12-0
in favor of recognition of legal gay marriages performed elsewhere.
The move is widely viewed as a step towards the legalization of gay
marriage in the district.
Gay marriage is legal in seven mostly
European countries – Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sweden,
Norway, Spain and Belgium – and in four mostly New England U.S.
states – Massachusetts, Vermont, Iowa and Connecticut.