Two weeks after the Washington, D.C. City Council refused to allow a ballot initiative that would put the definition of marriage in Washington up for popular vote, the D.C. Council gave the first vote of approval for new legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill passed with an 11-2 vote and is scheduled for a final vote on December 15,
The bill passes under a shroud of controversy surrounding the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s adamant and outspoken opposition to the legislation. It rightly views the bill as a threat to its religious freedom and has threatened to discontinue social service programs in the area if the legislation is not changed. The church currently provides adoption, homelessness and health care services in conjunction with the government, but is fearful the bill could force them to hire homosexual employees and provide benefits to same-sex couples.