First vote for same-sex 'marriage' approved in D.C.

Washington D.C., Dec 1, 2009 / 14:39 pm

On Tuesday, D.C. council members voted 11 to 2 in favor of a bill that will allow same-sex “marriage” in the nation's capital, a “tragic choice” says Catholic political advocate.

“The decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia is a tragic choice for marriage generally, and a troubling encroachment on the freedom of the Church to practice its faith free of governmental interference,” said Brian Burch, President of CatholicVoteAction.org to CNA.

The Dec.1 vote is the first of two necessary for the legislation to be signed for approval by D.C Mayor Adrian Fenty. On Dec. 15, the second vote, which is also expected to be in favor of bill, will take place.

“Engaged Catholic citizens have worried for years that legally sanctioned same-sex marriage was destined to infringe upon the religious freedom of the Church,” Burch told CNA on Tuesday. “The more honest gay marriage activists have admitted as much. This is in part why voters have overwhelmingly affirmed the traditional definition of marriage when offered the choice.”

Burch continued to say that “while a sensible compromise may still be worked out between the District and the Archdiocese, today’s decision confirms the need to remain vigilant in the struggle to protect marriage between a man and a woman.”

“Today’s vote is a disturbing reminder of the far reaching consequences wrapped up in the efforts to redefine marriage.”