DC Mayor signs Same-Sex Marriage Law

Today, Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the city's marriage equality bill at the All Souls Unitarian Church. All Souls was one of many churches in the area that sponsored this legislation. The law has to withstand a 30 day review process, which it is expected to pass.

The signing of this bill is highly significant not just for the legalization of same-sex marriage in our nation's capitol but who signed and where he chose to do so. Mayor Fenty is African-American. The church is one of many open and affirming congregations around the country. Thus two facts taken as gospel are dispelled. One, not every African-American is against LGBT rights. Two, not all Christian churches demonize LGBTs.

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of stereotyping. It seems to be something that is hardwired in the human brain. We're much more comfortable with broad strokes and generalizations even when they're harmful or demonstrably false.

So, congratulations to those same-sex couples who will be able to marry come next year. And congratulations to Mayor Fenty and all the Washington DC council members who supported this important civil rights legislation. May you be an example to us all.

H/T to Joe.My.God.

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