Having garnered 10 co-sponsors, the Washington, D.C. marriage equality bill added one more supporter in a vote Tuesday, passing the first of two necessary votes 11-2. The District of Columbia City Council’s preliminary marriage equality vote constitutes the greatest consensus ever to occur in favor of marriage equality.  Marriage equality bills passed in New England typically did so with the slimmest of margins and tremendous controversy.

The vote was also a major victory for out councilmember David Catania, who wrote and sponsored the legislation.  At public hearings where hundreds of supporters and opponents lined up to be heard, including representatives from anti-gay groups such as the National Organization for Marriage, Catania often stepped up to correct anti-gay advocates when they needed to be corrected.

The Associated Press picked up the story immediately:

WASHINGTON — In the first of two votes on allowing same-sex marriage in the nation’s capital, the District of Columbia City Council has passed the bill 11 to 2.

The D.C. Council voted for the first time Tuesday. The bill has been expected to pass, as 10 of the 13 council members co-sponsored its introduction. A second, final vote is expected for later in the month, and D.C.’s mayor has promised to sign the bill.

Marriages would begin in the city as soon as the bill passes a period of Congressional review. Congress likely will not alter the law.