Mormon Rep. Jason Chaffetz Vows To Bring Congress Into DC Marriage Battle

Freshman Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), a Mormon, has vowed to have Congress intervene in DC's decision to recognize same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions.

Chaffetz, who is the ranking Republican on the House subcommittee that oversees the district, says he is in discussions with House minority leaders on which of several options they will use to try to thwart the sanction of same-sex marriage within the nation's capital. "I'm in a favor of recognizing marriage as a union between a man and a woman," Chaffetz said. "I'm not in favor of trying to redefine it, or disguise it under another name." Unlike any other American city, Washington has no ultimate control over its own laws and budgets and Congress has 30 days in which to cancel the 12-1 vote by the City Council to recognize same-sex marriage licenses from other states. The district, home to nearly 600,000 residents, has no voting member of Congress.

The Democratic majority in the House may be able to block any action Chaffetz attempts. And how is it that a Congressman in office for three months is already the ranking Republican in charge of DC? Must be a shit assignment.