Washington D.C., May 7, 2009 / 14:07 pm
The Washington, D.C. City Council’s decision to recognize same-sex "marriages" contracted elsewhere prompted accusations of bigotry against a black leader while causing "adamant" protests from the city’s African-American community. Councilman Marion Berry, the lone dissenter in the vote, said the controversial move could trigger a figurative "civil war."
The Archdiocese of Washington said it was "gravely concerned" by the vote and accused the council of pushing through the measure without hearings or the opportunity for public input.
By a vote of 12-1 on Tuesday, the council passed the measure recognizing same-sex "marriages" in other states. According to the Washington Post, "enraged" African American ministers stormed the hallway outside the council chambers and pledged to work to vote out the members who supported the bill.
Councilman Barry, a former D.C. mayor, said he "agonized" over whether to oppose the bill but finally decided to stand with the "ministers who stand on the moral compass of God."