D.C.'s same-sex marriage bill now before Congress

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) announced Monday that the countdown to legalized same-sex marriage in the District has begun.

In a statement, Norton said a bill approved by the D.C. Council last month has arrived on Capitol Hill. Congress will have 30 legislative days to review it. The bill becomes law immediately after that review period has ended.

Depending on how many days Congress is in session next month, the bill could become law in late February or March.

For the bill to be rejected, the Democratic-controlled House and Senate, as well as President Obama, would all have to agree on a disapproval resolution. Same-sex marriage supporters, who noted that Congress has enacted only three disapproval resolutions in the past 30 years, do not believe the Democratic-majority will allow the bill to be blocked.

In her statement, Norton said she has already done the "initial work to close the gates on overturning" the bill.

"This bill should not be on the Hill at all," Norton said. "Home rule is all or it is nothing. We can't pick and choose when Congress can intervene."

Even if Congress stays out, there is a chance that opponents can succeed in convincing a court to require that the city put the issue before voters. There is also a chance that a future Congress could push to restrict same-sex marriage in the District, although supporters believe that would be a politically difficult move once those marriages have starting taking place.

-- Tim Craig