Same-sex marriage supporters stood and cheered in the council chamber following the 11-2 vote, violating council rules prohibiting public demonstrations, The Washington Post reported.
"In many ways, this is the final prize," council member Jim Graham, D-Ward 1, one of two openly gay council members, told the newspaper.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty is expected to sign the measure before Christmas.
The bill will need to undergo a 30-day legislative review period before it becomes law, although same-sex marriage advocates say it is unlikely opponents in the U.S. House and Senate will be able to block the measure, the newspaper said.
"We believe we are firmly rooted in the right side of history, and I know we are going to prevail," said council member David A. Catania, Ind-At Large, who is openly gay and sponsored the bill. "But we are going to have to remain vigilant to protect this right."
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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