Same-sex hot potato to Congress

The same-sex marriage debate moved to another level Tuesday with the City Council in the District of Columbia voting 12-1 to recognize such unions from states that allow them. Although Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa permit same-sex marriage, the District’s vote lands the issue squarely in the lap of Congress.

Federal lawmakers have 30 days to review and overturn the council’s decision. That’ll be a debate worth watching, as members of Congress and President Barack Obama are forced to take sides on the issue.

Tuesday’s D.C. council meeting was emotional, with a number of black ministers vowing to work for reversing the decision. There’s evidence suggesting the preachers may reflect public attitudes in the District. Although it’s overwhelmingly Democratic, it’s also majority-black. Exit polls in California last fall showed seven in 10 African-Americans opposed gay marriage in a vote there.

By the way, the lone dissenting council vote was cast by former Mayor Marion Barry.

Thank you for joining our conversation on ScissorTales. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.