Maine Makes it 5, DC 5.5
A rainbow banner day
The Maine State House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation allowing for same-sex marriages today, while DC’s city council voted to recognize same sex marriages that have taken place in other jurisdictions. This is a huge day for civil rights, but these battles aren’t completely won.
The legislation passed by Maine’s House still needs a final vote in the House and Senate before the legislation can be sent to their Governor for signing. This seems like a formality, however, as Maine’s Senate initially sent the legislation to the House with a 21-14 vote, and Maine’s State House voted 89-58.
DC still has a bit of a fight, as well. Because DC isn’t a state it will have to be approved by its governing body–Congress–before it can be enacted as law. DC’s resolution was passed by a 12-1 vote.
David A. Catania, one of two openly gay council members, eloquently argued his position during the debate, stating:
“This issue is whether or not our colleagues on a personal level view me and [Council member] Jim Graham as your equals.”
“If we are permitted the same rights and responsibilities and obligations as our colleagues. So this is personal. This is acknowledging our families as much as we acknowledge you.”
Former DC Mayor, and current councilman Marion Barry, was the only member to vote against the proposal. In defending his position, Barry said:
“[It was an] agonizing and difficult decision” made after prayer and consulting with the religious community.”
Those of us who know Barry understand this roughly translates to “I blame crack!”