More Gay Marriage

Maine becomes 5th state to approve gay marriage - USATODAY.com I heard this on the radio today while I was out. So I am sure the response to this is all over the blogosphere already, but at least I didn't publish the post I had nearly ready this morning - about the Maine House passing the measure.

The New Hampshire assembly is now also debating the issue. It seems they may actually have a law today - if you can believe USA Today.

In Washington, the D.C. Council Votes to Recognize Same-Sex Marriages Performed Elsewhere. This caused quite a commotion. The measure passed 12 to 1, with Marion Barry casting the dissenting vote. Council member David A. Catania (an Independent) said Barry had taken a "bigoted" position.

After the vote, enraged African American ministers stormed the hallway outside the council chambers and vowed that they will work to oust the members who supported the bill, which was sponsored by Phil Mendelson (D-At Large). They caused such an uproar that security officers and D.C. police were called in to clear the hallway.

D.C.'s mayor, Democrat Adrian M. Fenty, will sign the measure. Marion Barry predicted a civil-war over the issue.

Barry, who said he supports gay rights and civil unions, warned after the vote that the District could erupt if the council does not proceed slowly on same-sex marriage.

"All hell is going to break lose," Barry said. "We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this."

He supports it, but not enough to vote in support of it.... Exactly how much slower could D.C. move? They are voting to recognize legal unions performed elsewhere, not conduct gay marriages in the District. Any slower and they wouldn't do anything, but maybe that is what he really thinks should happen.

The GOP - predictably - will try to stop the measure from becoming law in D.C.