The marriage equality bill has just passed in Washington D.C.  Another progressive step forward for LGBT rights, despite the recent let down in New York and Maine – which if you remember, just recently failed to legalize same-sex marriage.

With this great news also comes some concerning news.  The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington last month threatened to cut their social service programs if the bill passed.  Now that that has happened, the Archdiocese is determined to stand strong on keeping its promise.  The Archbishop would cut homeless shelters, food programs for needy families, and health services rather than provide equal benefits for employees in same-sex marriages. 

Does that make any sense at all?  It doesn’t seem like the way of Jesus to use the needy and homeless as anti-gay pawns.  We will have to just wait and see if they actually follow through with this horrible threat.

We also have to wait a little bit longer to see if the bill actually becomes law.  The bill now goes to the Mayor Adrian Fenty, who has promised to sign it. The U.S. Congress then has 30 days to review the legislation. After that window passes, the bill becomes law!  We will definitely keep you updated on this situation, but all we can do for now is stay hopeful.