WASHINGTON - March 3 - Same-sex couples began applying for marriage licenses today in the District of Columbia. The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act was passed this fall by an overwhelming majority of the D.C. Council before Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the measure into law in mid-December. D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and New Hampshire in extending full marriage equality to same-sex couples.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"This is a profoundly moving moment for many D.C. same-sex couples and their families. To finally be able to share and celebrate one's love and commitment both publicly and legally is a lifelong dream for many. As a D.C. resident, I am personally proud of the council and mayor for standing so strongly for fairness and for affirming the common humanity that bonds each of us. We offer our sincerest thanks to them and to the many groups and individuals who worked so hard to bring us to this historic day, with special mention to Councilmember David Catania, Mayor Adrian Fenty, the Campaign for All D.C. Families, Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, D.C. for Marriage, and D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality, who are among those who had a vision for equality, pursued it with clarity and persistence, and won.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the couples heading to the courthouse today to apply for their marriage licenses, and to the many others who will follow. Until you have walked in the shoes of someone who has been denied the right to exercise such a fundamental freedom, it is hard to comprehend the emotional depth and significance of this experience for so many couples in Washington, D.C."