On Tuesday, the D.C. Council agreed unanimously that retirement benefits should be extended to domestic partners of the city’s retired police officers and firefighters. The move brings marriage equality in the District a step closer to fruition, according to the Examiner.

As we wrote last month, the chances of D.C.’s same-sex marriage bill gaining approval depend on the results of the forthcoming election. It’s believed that a same-sex marriage bill in D.C. stands a better chance of survival if Democrats gain seats in Congress and if California’s Proposition 8 – which seeks to revoke same-sex marriage rights in the state – is defeated. Congress has oversight regarding any legislation the Council wants to pass; the passage or failure of Proposition 8 could be a litmus test for the District’s own bill.

The Examiner article adds that the election of Sen. Barack Obama would also be a factor. Obama supports civil unions – not same-sex marriage – and has voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment.

If the above results come together this Election Day, D.C.’s marriage equality bill could be formally introduced as early as January.

Photo by joekerstef.