Councilman To Introduce D.C. Gay Marriage Bill
Catania has nine co-sponsors for bill
The District could be the next battleground in the debate over gay marriage.
D.C. Councilman David Catania said he will introduce a bill next week legalizing same-sex marriage. Standing before 200 or so activists from the city's gay and lesbian community, Catania, the District's first openly gay councilman, told the crowd he is ready to introduce his long-awaited same-sex marriage bill.
With nine co-sponsors lined up, there is little doubt the measure will be approved by the 13-member council.
But all laws in the District are subject to congressional review, and federal lawmakers have intervened in local affairs.
Back in 1992, Congress restricted the city's effort to recognize domestic partnerships. Catania told the crowd at Wednesday night's marriage equality convocation to prepare for push back, especially from those who think the city is moving too fast on a potentially divisive issue.
A public hearing on the legislation will be scheduled later this fall.
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