Speaker Pelosi: D.C. Leading the Nation in Ensuring Fundamental Civil Rights

The District of Columbia's new marriage equality law went into effect today, with gay couples able to apply for marriage licenses for the first time this morning. Speaker Pelosi:

Today marks a historic chapter in the advancement toward equality, fairness and the protections that marriage affords for all families. As we welcome marriage equality to our nation's capital, I reiterate my longstanding commitment to home rule for the District of Columbia.

Today, the District joins other states in leading the nation in ensuring fundamental civil rights. This is a joyous moment that history will forever remember as progress.