Morning Sweep

The New York Times editorial board writes that it’s time for the Obama administration to begin fulfilling its promises to fight for LGBT rights: “Busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for making one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights.”

The federal hate crimes bill is expected to come up for a vote in the Senate tomorrow.

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics have blocked a proposal to allow a voter referendum on whether the district should recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions. The D.C. Council passed a law to extend this recognition to same-sex couples earlier this year, and barring any other challenges, it will take effect in July.

Forbes estimates that there is $9.5 billion to be gained by legalizing marriage for same-sex couples nationwide – and breaks it down with pictures.