(Wikipedia)

(Wikipedia)

The Council of the District of Columbia voted unanimously Tuesday to allow Washington, D.C., to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the district. The decision comes on the heels of a string of victories for advocates on the issue, as Iowa and Vermont — and even Sweden — have legalized same-sex marriage in recent days.

The vote awaits approval from Mayor Adrian Fenty and could find opposition from Congress, which administers the district.

“The D.C. Council’s votes today are another positive step toward equality, coming on the same day as the historic marriage vote in the Vermont Legislature,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese in a press release Tuesday. “We look forward to the final Council votes and urge Mayor Fenty to sign this commonsense legislation. We also hope that Congress will respect the Council’s votes and will respect the District of Columbia’s choice to provide equal recognition for couples who have legally entered into relationships in other jurisdictions.”