D.C. council votes to recognize gay marriages; Congress has final say

WASHINGTON — After an emotional debate, the Council of the District of Columbia on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.

The vote is considered the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington. Congress, which has final say over the city's laws, will get 30 days to review the bill assuming Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, signs it.

If Congress takes no action, the bill will become law automatically. President Obama and congressional leaders have not signaled where they stand on the D.C. bill. Obama generally supports civil unions but has said marriage is between a man and a woman.

"The march toward equality is coming to this country, and you can either be a part of it or stand in the way," said David Catania, one of two openly gay D.C. Council members.

The D.C. Council vote was 12-to-1, with former Mayor Marion Barry casting the lone opposing vote. Barry, a longtime supporter of the gay community, called it an "agonizing and difficult decision" that he made after praying and consulting with his constituents and the religious community.

Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa already allow gay marriage and lawmakers in several other states are considering whether to do the same. New York recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.

The Maine Legislature on Tuesday approved a bill that would make the state the fifth to allow gay marriage.

The bill faces one more vote each in the House and Senate before it goes to Gov. John Baldacci. He is a Democrat and remains undecided.

Maine would become only the second state to allow gay marriage through an act of a legislature.

In D.C., gay-marriage supporters greeted the vote with applause, but they were outnumbered at city hall by outraged opponents.

The Rev. Anthony Evans said he will work to unseat every D.C. Council member who voted for it.

"They just kissed their political careers goodbye," he said.