Snowpocalypse Delays D.C. Marriages

The double whammy of snow storms that suspended official business in Washington, D.C., this week means that same-sex couples in the district will need to wait longer before a new marriage equality law takes effect.

The law, which the D.C. council approved in December, appeared likely to take effect on March 2 after the conclusion of a 30-day review period by Congress. However, as Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Postreports, the closure of the government due to snow has stopped the clock for the time being.

"Congress has 30 legislative days to review all laws signed by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty," reports Capehart. "So, when the Capitol shuts down, the countdown clock does, too. That means a great day for a white wedding might not hit until mid-March or so -- at the earliest."

The delay also gives opponents, who have filed bills against the marriage law in the House and Senate, more time to consider their strategy.