D.C. vote on gay marriage entangles Congress

The city council of the District of Columbia has passed a bill legalizing gay marriage. But since D.C. is not a state, such measures have to be approved by Congress. This will bring the issue to the national government. From The Associated Press: DC gay marriage vote could entangle Congress:

The city council in the nation’s capital voted Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages from states that approve them, a step that could propel the emotional issue into Congress and draw Democrats into a culture-wars battle with each other.

President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders responded to the 12-1 vote by the District of Columbia Council with near silence — hoping to avoid aggravating Democratic factions already at odds over that issue and more.

Republicans, usually willing to exploit differences between Democrats, also barely reacted to the council’s gay-marriage decision. GOP leaders and their aides, asked whether anyone will try to use the decision as a wedge issue, said they were preoccupied by matters such as the economic downturn and swine flu.

But they have time.

The city council 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, has 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.

Now is the time for the Democrats who dominate Congress to stand up for their principles before the American voters. My prediction: That last sentence.