Mayor Fenty signs marriage equality bill

A large crowd filled the sanctuary at historic All Souls Unitarian Church this morning as Pastor Rob Hardies introduced Mayor Adrian Fenty for the signing ceremony for the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. Here is a copy of the Mayor's news release, which I got the Mayor to sign, along with Councilmembers David Catania (I-At Large, the bill's author), Phil Mendelson (D-At Large, chairman of the Judiciary Committee), Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), and Council Chairman Vincent Gray (D). Also present, but escaping before I could get their autographs, were Councilmembers Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), and Harry Thomas, Jr. (D-Ward 5), as well as former At-Large Councilmember Betty Ann Kane. Many activists and affirming ministers from around the city were present, as were many members of the press. It was a joyous and satisfying moment. Now the bill goes to Capitol Hill for its 30-legislative-day congressional review period. We therefore turn our attention to the task of sustaining this victory.