Bravo, Durham, Bravo

The Durham North Carolina City Council got a standing ovation last Monday night when it unanimously passed, without discussion, a resolution supporting civil marriage for same-sex couples.

"It is simply a statement" and has no effect on the law, City Attorney Patrick Baker said before the vote. It's symbolic.

Nevertheless, when the outcome was announced much of the full-house audience in the council chamber broke into applause and then stood.

The resolution states:
"The City Council of the City of Durham endorses and supports the rights of same sex couples to share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitments of civil marriage."

You know, there's talk that gay marriage will take hold in smaller places before it gains strength in a nationwide movement, and i, too, want to applaud the Durham City Council for their resolution.

Hopefully other towns and cities and states and nations will follow their lead.