D.C. considers
new protections for gay couples

The Washington, D.C., city council is considering expanding rights for gay and lesbian couples, but that doesn't include legalizing equal marriage rights, much to the chagrin of some activists, TheWashington Post reported Monday. D.C. council member Jim Graham told the newspaper that he is "seriously considering" introducing a bill that would legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples who live in the district. That could be a tough piece of legislation to push through: Congress has final say over D.C. and would probably veto such a measure. "Not doing what you believe in is a very uneasy feeling," Graham, one of two openly gay council members, told the Post. David A. Catania, who is the other gay council member and who quit the Republican Party over its opposition to gay equality, told the newspaper: "If the district trots out too far, we become a cause celebre for Congress to whip on." A better strategy, he said, is to "try to make sustainable advances instead of ideal advances." Meanwhile, the new plan being considered by the council would expand tax and inheritance benefits. It gives partners powers of attorney, the ability to sue for negligence, and immunity from testifying against one another. The bill also allows the equivalent of prenuptial agreements and alimony-like obligations if a breakup occurs, the newspaper reported. (Advocate.com)