The Washington Post reports that an equal marriage bill is all but “assured” to pass the D.C. city council.

After months of buildup and behind-the-scenes lobbying, a bill by David A. Catania, one of two openly gay members of the council, has been drafted and is ready to be introduced in the coming weeks. Catania (I-At Large) expects a final vote before the end of the year. On Thursday, Catania said he had 10 co-sponsors, all but assuring that the measure will be approved by the council. The bill would have to survive congressional review before it could become law.

Anti-marriage activists are already asking the US Congress – which holds jurisdiction over the district – to step in and nullify any bill that passes.  The current Congress has thus far allowed the District of Columbia to recognize gay marriages performed out of state.