As expected, the D.C. Council passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Tuesday, paving the way for its arrival on Congress’ doorstep by early next year.

[IMGCAP(1)]The bill passed 11-2, with only Councilmembers Marion Barry (D) and Yvette Alexander (D) voting against it. The panel is set to vote on the legislation again in two weeks, after which Mayor Adrian Fenty is expected to sign it. Then it will begin the Congressional review period, where Congress has 30 legislative days to block the bill.

So far, the chances of the bill failing seem slim. While several Republican lawmakers are against it — and plan to actively oppose it — their options are few. A bill to strike the D.C. legislation is unlikely to make it to the floor; inserting a provision into D.C.’s budget is more feasible, but time is short.

If the bill survives the Congressional review period, D.C. will join five states in allowing gay couples to marry. Already, the city recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states, after passing a bill in May.

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