Tim Craig in The Washington Post:
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill said it appears unlikely that Congress will block a bill to be introduced Tuesday that would allow same-sex marriages in the District.
D.C. Council leaders have vowed to expedite the bill and said they hope to put it to a final vote before Christmas. But even if same-sex couples start marrying next year, the long-term survival of the practice would be in doubt for years, depending on the makeup of the House and Senate, congressional officials said.“I hate to say this, but I think this is going to be rough sledding,” said Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.). “I don’t think [conservatives] are going to give us a pass. . . . I don’t think we can always escape this issue coming to the floor.”
On Tuesday morning, D.C. Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) will introduce his bill, which says that “any person . . . may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender.” The legislation, which has 10 co-sponsors including Catania, is expected to sail through the council’s committee process. Under Home Rule, Congress will have 30 legislative days to review the council’s action before it becomes law.