Washington, D.C. – Today, the D.C. Council overwhelmingly approved the “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009,” which will permit same-sex couples to marry in the District of Columbia. The bill, authored by Catania, passed with the support of eleven Councilmembers. Only two members, Councilmembers Marion Barry and Yvette Alexander, voted against the momentous equal rights legislation.
“Today’s vote is an important victory not only for the gay and lesbian community but for everyone who supports equal rights. Gays and lesbians bear every burden of citizenship and are entitled to every benefit and protection that the law allows,” said Catania. “Whenever 11 out of 13 Councilmembers vote to support any issue, it indicates that there is strong support for the issue among our constituents.”
Earlier this year, the Council passed legislation to confer legal recognition on marriages between same-sex couples performed in other states and jurisdictions. That legislation became law in July 2009, and today the District is home to thousands of lawfully married gays and lesbians. The bill approved by the Council today will remove the requirement that District couples travel elsewhere, often at significant expense, to exchange their vows. Instead, it will permit District same-sex couples to marry in their home city.
The “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act” also reaffirms religious protections enjoyed by churches and religious organizations that are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Specially, the bill states that no church or clergy member shall be required to perform or solemnize a marriage that is in violation of their religious beliefs. It also allows churches and religious organizations to refuse to offer their facilities, goods, or services for the solemnization or promotion of a marriage that is not recognized by their religious doctrine.
“The separation of church and state is one of the founding principles of our democracy,” said Catania. “However, 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 Council vote on the “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009” is expected to take place on December 15, 2009.
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