Gay Marriage Bill Introduced In DC

VIA WJLA:

Same-sex couples would be allowed to wed in Washington under a bill introduced Tuesday by D.C. councilman David Catania.

Cantina, one of two openly gay Council members, says the bill isn’t about him but rather the next generation.

“Young people in this city, whether they are gay or straight … we are all treated as equal … to privilege another,” said David Catania, City Council member.

Same-sex marriages performed elsewhere are already recognized in the District, but the proposed law would let couples marry regardless of gender.

“We don’t want to be a special class of individuals …. By their government,” said Ed Grandis, marriage equality supporter.

Four states currently perform same-sex marriages. Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington, says the limited number of states performing gay marriages is a reflection of where the country stands on the issue.

“Everytime the people have voted we’ve kept marriage as is… Fatherless and motherless families,” said Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington.

The legislation comes as same-sex marriage opponents filed a request for a November 2010 ballot initiative that would define marriage between a man and woman.

Bishop Harry Jackson says he is not giving up the fight.

“This does not stop what we’re doing at all… Let the people vote,” said Bishop Harry Jackson, same-sex marriage opponent.

Read more here.