District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty today signed into law a bill legalizing marriage for same-sex couples in the nation’s capital.  Michael Crawford (pictured), co-chair of D.C. for Marriage, hailed the enactment of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, which was sponsored by openly gay City Council Member David Catania:

“Having the right to legally marry will have an invaluable impact on gay and lesbian people and our families. Our work has always been about ensuring that every child and every parent in the District has the protection of full equality, so we can strengthen both our families and our community.  We are excitedly looking forward to seeing the first couples and their joy as they are finally able to marry, here in the District.

With today’s bill signing, the District has once again proven its long-time commitment to social justice and equality. We have boldly blazed a trail for the rest of the country by creating a coalition of support among clergy representing many different faiths, and residents of every race, ethnicity and origin in this majority African-American city.  Together, we have ensured that the first jurisdiction in the South to make marriage equality law is our nation’s capital.”

Photo:  MetroWeekly