The D.C. Council in Washington has approved legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.

The vote is considered a first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington and may have national implications.

The vote kicked off fireworks in the D.C. Council. Only former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry stood against it.

 David Catania, an openly gay council member, accused Barry of bigotry, saying his past support of gays didn't matter.

 "To say 'well, I support domestic partnership or I support civil union as a way to say I'm not that big a bigot'... that's what it is," he said.

The council was against definitely against Barry and voted 12-1 to recognize gay marriages, despite a hostile crowd filled with a number of pastors looking on, who at one point shouted back at another openly gay council member.

Outside a crowd supporting traditional marriage gathered to express their disappointment with the vote.

They worry it could have national implications, since Congress must decide whether to approve D.C.'s decision. If it does, that could make it hard for any state to legally defend standing against gay marriage.

"If we lose this battle, I think same-sex marriage will be the law of the land in within two to three and a half years," said Bishop Harry Jackson of the High Impact Leadership Coalition.

But the Christians said they'll stand and fight.

"I have convictions about this and this is wrong," said Pastor Terry Wayne Millender of Victorious Life Church in Alexandria, Va. "And I'm here for my grandchildren. Along with my church, I'm here for my grandchildren."