The marriage equality debate has brought a juxtaposition of reality. Marylanders prepare to battle for gay marriage as the District of Columbia considers same-sex divorce, according to the Huffington Post.
A bill, complete with seven co-sponsors, has been sent to the full council. Passage is expected.
D.C. Councilmember Phil Mendelson
Councilmember Phil Mendelson, D-At Large, introduced the Civil Marriage Dissolution Equality Amendment Act of 2011 last fall, the Washington Blade reported. D.C. officials green-lighted same-sex marriage in 2009, but want clarity on dealing with the resolution of gay marriages.
Proponents stress the bill’s need, since states not recognizing gay marriage can’t issue decrees to couples choosing to end their unions in D.C. The marriage law requires one or both spouses to live in D.C. for six months, in order to be granted a divorce.
Tracking how many couples have sought divorces is nearly impossible. D.C. courts track neither marriage licenses nor divorce filings by sexual orientation, according to the Examiner.
Photo: rosemountcenter.com
