District Takes Step Forward On Gay Rights (Councilmember Jack Evans)

Today the District took another big step in recognizing full equality for LGBT families by adopting a bill containing an amendment which would recognize legal same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions.  I think this is very important step along our long journey to treat all of our residents as equal, full citizens in the District of Columbia.  As the first elected official in the District to support equal marriage rights for gays and lesbians, I am both gratified and moved by the vote of the Council.  We will face challenges, as we always have, on this road to full equality, particularly with respect to the Congress who retain legislative authority over the District.  I am confident, however, that we have made a solid first step to full marriage rights with this action, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor, Delegate Norton, my Council colleagues, and the community on thinking through the next steps in our goal of full marriage equal rights here in the District.