We’ll update more throughout of the day but here’s a view from the DC Council chamber, courtesy of HRC Communications Director Brad Luna, where Councilmember David Catania will introduce a marriage equality bill this morning:
WASHINGTON, DC – The Reverend Robert M. Hardies and the Reverend Christine Wiley, leaders of the group DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, issued the following statements regarding the introduction by DC Councilmember David Catania (I-At Large) today of legislation that would allow same-gender couples to marry:
“The introduction of Councilmember Catania’s legislation has brought Washington DC one step closer to ensuring that all loving couples can celebrate their commitment to each other through marriage,” said Rev. Robert M. Hardies, Senior Minister at All Souls Church, Unitarian in Columbia Heights. “Today, I stand with over 200 DC clergy of many faiths, races, cultures, and from every ward in the District, who have united in support of marriage equality and eagerly await the day when they can perform marriage ceremonies for their parishioners, many of whom have been in committed same gender relationships for decades.”
“I believe that the arc of DC’s moral universe bent a bit closer to justice today,” said Rev. Christine Wiley, co-pastor of Covenant Baptist Church. “Councilmember Catania’s legislation reflects and embraces the rich diversity of our city and ensures that gay and straight Washingtonians alike are eligible for the privileges and benefits of marriage.”
“Our spiritual traditions celebrate justice, compassion, and love, and call us to advance marriage equality,” continued Rev. Wiley. “In the same spirit, we urge area faith leaders to set an example for our community and engage in a civil, respectful and constructive dialogue about this legislation.”
DC Clergy United, a coalition first announced in June, has now grown to include over 200 faith leaders of many races, cultures, denominations, and from every Ward in the District of Columbia, who unite to affirm marriage equality for same-gender couples. For more information, please see: http://www.clergyformarriage.com/.
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