UPDATED - One Step Closer

The D.C. Council voted unanimously (until they didn't) to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It passed without debate (until it did).

I was equally pleased and confused that there wasn't at least one vote against. But then again, the change to the marriage law was added as an amendment to the "Disclosure to the United States District Court Act of 2009". I can see how one could be confused.

UPDATE: What did I tell you? I wasn't joking about Barry. From the article linked at the beginning:

UPDATE: D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has now asked that the gay marriage bill be reconsidered. He didn't realize what he was voting on before.

He just gave a speech saying he is going to vote against it so it won't be unanimous vote. The council is now debating the bill.

UPDATE: I am always amazed at how my councilmember can find a way to play both sides of any issue.

Although he has been a longtime supporter of gay rights, Barry said he voted against the bill to satisfy his constituents in Southeast Washington.

[...]

But Barry said he disagrees with the ministers' antics today at the Wilson Building, saying the chaos "sets the movement back."

At least Mr. Barry "disagrees" with "antics". Good thing these Bible-thumpers were protesting in an orderly fashion or the police would have had to have gotten involved ... oh, wait.

After the vote, a large crowd of opponents, led by local ministers, began yelling, "Get them off the council!" referring to the members who supported the measure. The crowd caused such a ruckus that security guards and D.C. police officers had to be called in to restore order.

Additionally, it would be nice if the one dissenting voter would help to keep order instead of using inflammatory language that could be misconstrued (I'm sure) as advocating violence.

Barry predicted today there could be a "civil war" in the District if the Council decides to take up a broader gay marriage bill later this year.

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

"All hell is going to break lose." "We may have a civil war." Fine calming words for a city that is still known for its violence.