WP: 3 D.C. Mayoral Hopefuls Back Civil Unions

Three of the five major Democratic candidates for D.C. mayor said they support legalization of civil unions for same-sex couples, but they told a forum of Baptist ministers yesterday that they would not try to force reluctant pastors to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Council member Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4), former telecommunications executive Marie C. Johns and lobbyist Michael A. Brown said they are in favor of changing D.C. law to permit same-sex couples to form civil unions. Such a move would make the District one of the few jurisdictions in the nation to provide that degree of legal recognition....