Photo by erin m

D.C. is throwing itself into the federal battle over same-sex marriage, joining a number of other states in filing amicus briefs to the Supreme Court in two cases dealing with same-sex marriage.

In the first case, D.C. has joined with 13 other states in arguing that California’s Proposition 8—which banned same-sex marriage—violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. In the second case, D.C. joined in with 15 states challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

“As a longtime advocate for LGBT rights, I strongly support efforts to end discrimination. The District’s participation in these landmark cases shows our commitment to a policy of treating our LGBT brothers and sisters fairly and as full members of our society. We are proud to stand with the President, with our state partners, and with many civil rights groups, businesses and individuals in support of this important step toward the goal of justice,” said Mayor Vince Gray in a statement.

The Supreme Court will hear both cases later this month, potentially setting up historic rulings that could change the landscape in the fight for same-sex marriage across the country. A number of states—Maryland included—recently legalized same-sex marriage at the ballot box; currently nine states and D.C. recognize same-sex marriages.

D.C. legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, and successfully fought off attempts to put the issue to the city’s voters in a referendum.