Victory for Gay Marriage in D.C.

Marriage equality foes were dealt a blow Thursday morning; the D.C. court of appeals ruled against allowing an initiative on the ballot to invalidate same-sex marriages entered into in the district.

Gay marriage foes — led by antigay bishop Harry Jackson of Maryland and groups that include the National Organization for Marriage — were attempting to get a Prop. 8–like initiative on the ballot in D.C.

The court of appeals ruled 5–4 that the proposed initiative would permit discrimination against gays and lesbians in the district, which is prohibited by the D.C. Human Rights Act.

“The court’s ruling today is a significant victory for justice, the rule of law, and the protection of all D.C. residents against discrimination,” said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese. “It’s time for the National Organization for Marriage to realize equality is here to stay no matter how much money they want to throw at turning back the clock.”

The district began issuing marriage licenses in March. Subsequent congressional attempts to block the law failed.