D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty: Gay Marriage in the Capital 'Will Eventually Happen'

Adrian Fenty is the mayor of Washington D.C., that little city that just (preliminarily) agreed to recognize same-sex marriages from states where it's legal, a decision that came just minutes after Vermont's legislature approved marriage equality there. Of course, Congress can veto the measure, since D.C.'s jurisdiction actually rests in their hands. But we've got an ally on our side: Mayor Fenty, who says succinctly, "I support gay marriage." But how does he think Congress will react?

Q: Do you think Congress will, using their 30 day review period, that they have on all legislation coming out of the District…the Wilson Building. To what extent are you are you worried they will move on this?

FENTY: I can never say for sure what Congress will do. I hope they will respect the will of the Council of the District of Columbia.

Q: Would you be involved in any effort that might be needed to beat back any eruption of this issue on the Hill?

FENTY: It really just depends how it erupts. It's like gun rights. People have strong views on this matter … but I think some are using it in some ways as a soapbox. Some congressmen are using that to reinforce to constituents back home where they are on gun rights. I don't think they really care one way or another … if some Congressman is trying to score chips to win back home, there is nothing you can do.

Q: Should gay marriages be performed in the District? Should your citizens who don't want to go somewhere else… be able to get married?

FENTY: That will eventually happen. That was discussed a lot in the mayoral campaign. There are GLBT organizations that differ. Not because they don't support marriage, but they differ on when it should go forward.. I have always said I will sign the bill, whether I was on the council or mayor, I would either vote for legislation or sign legislation… Again there is no question where the City Council stands. We have a unanimous vote. We have a great City Council. It is probably the same with voters. The question is when is the right time when we will get the least congressional push back. But we have LGBT organizations that debated this issue at least 2 years ago.