D.C. takes positive step toward the freedom to marry
Posted on Jun 19, 2009 at 10:46 am
USA Today
June 19, 2009
Yolanda Young writes, "Last month, the D.C. City Council took a small step: It passed a nearly unanimous resolution to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. (Councilmember Marion Barry, who has had multiple run-ins with the law, was the loan dissenter, citing moral grounds.) Perhaps this vote is the beginning of a process that will see gay couples married in Washington.
This bill is significant for two reasons. First, because Congress can weigh in on Washington's legislative affairs, it presents an opportunity to take the nation's pulse on this issue. Second, Washington is the first predominantly black city to take up such a measure. So this can help illuminate the black community's voice on this divisive issue." (Link)
June 19, 2009
Yolanda Young writes, "Last month, the D.C. City Council took a small step: It passed a nearly unanimous resolution to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. (Councilmember Marion Barry, who has had multiple run-ins with the law, was the loan dissenter, citing moral grounds.) Perhaps this vote is the beginning of a process that will see gay couples married in Washington.
This bill is significant for two reasons. First, because Congress can weigh in on Washington's legislative affairs, it presents an opportunity to take the nation's pulse on this issue. Second, Washington is the first predominantly black city to take up such a measure. So this can help illuminate the black community's voice on this divisive issue." (Link)
In D.C., Marriage Equality Battle Heads to Court
Posted on Jun 17, 2009 at 06:26 pm
The Washington Post
June 17, 2009
Opponents of marriage equality filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court today hoping to force a referendum on whether to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The civil suit against the District's two-member Board of Elections asks Judge Judith E. Retchin to overturn an elections board ruling Monday that blocked a proposal to put the issue before the voters. If the court does not intervene, recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere will become law in early July, after the required congressional review period has ended. [Link]
June 17, 2009
Opponents of marriage equality filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court today hoping to force a referendum on whether to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The civil suit against the District's two-member Board of Elections asks Judge Judith E. Retchin to overturn an elections board ruling Monday that blocked a proposal to put the issue before the voters. If the court does not intervene, recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere will become law in early July, after the required congressional review period has ended. [Link]
Marriage Equality Gains Traction
Posted on Jun 16, 2009 at 12:45 pm
The Washington Post
June 16, 2009
A ruling yesterday by D.C. elections officials suggests that only Congress or the courts can thwart the gathering momentum to legalize same-sex marriage in the District. The opinion states that city officials would "authorize discrimination" if they were to permit a referendum on whether to afford same-sex couples married elsewhere the same rights as opposite-sex couples. "This is a case where the human rights amendment protected the rights of individuals, and that is what it is supposed to do," said Peter Rosenstein, a veteran gay rights activist. "You don't put rights of a minority up to votes of a majority." [Link]
June 16, 2009
A ruling yesterday by D.C. elections officials suggests that only Congress or the courts can thwart the gathering momentum to legalize same-sex marriage in the District. The opinion states that city officials would "authorize discrimination" if they were to permit a referendum on whether to afford same-sex couples married elsewhere the same rights as opposite-sex couples. "This is a case where the human rights amendment protected the rights of individuals, and that is what it is supposed to do," said Peter Rosenstein, a veteran gay rights activist. "You don't put rights of a minority up to votes of a majority." [Link]
D.C. officials block marriage referendum
Posted on Jun 15, 2009 at 07:27 pm
Washington Blade
June 15, 2009
The D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics decided Monday that a proposed voter referendum seeking to overturn a city law recognizing same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions would violate the city's human rights law and could not be allowed. In their 12-page memorandum, board members Errol Arthur and Charles Lowery Jr. concluded "that the referendum does not present a proper subject of referendum because it would authorize discrimination prohibited under the Human Rights Act." [Link]
(Read decision at: http://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/nr_207.pdf)
June 15, 2009
The D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics decided Monday that a proposed voter referendum seeking to overturn a city law recognizing same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions would violate the city's human rights law and could not be allowed. In their 12-page memorandum, board members Errol Arthur and Charles Lowery Jr. concluded "that the referendum does not present a proper subject of referendum because it would authorize discrimination prohibited under the Human Rights Act." [Link]
(Read decision at: http://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/nr_207.pdf)
Witnesses spar over marriage at election board hearing
Posted on Jun 11, 2009 at 05:01 pm
Washington Blade
June 11, 2009
More than 100 people packed a D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics hearing room Wednesday as supporters and opponents of marriage equality presented opposing arguments regarding the validity of a proposed referendum to overturn the D.C. Jury & Marriage Amendment Act of 2009. The act, among other things, would allow the city to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries. At issue, according to election board chair Errol Arthur, is whether the proposed referendum would cover one or more of eight restricted subject areas that are barred from going before the voters, including a proposal to raise or lower taxes or a proposal that would "unlawfully discriminate" under the D.C. Human Rights Act. [Link]
June 11, 2009
More than 100 people packed a D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics hearing room Wednesday as supporters and opponents of marriage equality presented opposing arguments regarding the validity of a proposed referendum to overturn the D.C. Jury & Marriage Amendment Act of 2009. The act, among other things, would allow the city to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries. At issue, according to election board chair Errol Arthur, is whether the proposed referendum would cover one or more of eight restricted subject areas that are barred from going before the voters, including a proposal to raise or lower taxes or a proposal that would "unlawfully discriminate" under the D.C. Human Rights Act. [Link]
Election Board Hearing TODAY Over DC Marriage
Posted on Jun 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm
HRC Back Story
June 10, 2009
As the cliché goes, it’s not over until it’s over. That’s a very useful mantra to keep in mind when it comes to marriage equality. Last month the D.C. Council voted 12-1 in favor of legislation that would recognize, in the District, marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in other jurisdictions. This morning the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics will hold a hearing to determine whether Bishop Harry Jackson, a Maryland pastor who has been outspoken in his opposition to marriage equality, can begin gathering signatures in support of a referendum that would ask D.C. voters to reject the legislation recognizing marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in other jurisdictions. [Link]
June 10, 2009
As the cliché goes, it’s not over until it’s over. That’s a very useful mantra to keep in mind when it comes to marriage equality. Last month the D.C. Council voted 12-1 in favor of legislation that would recognize, in the District, marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in other jurisdictions. This morning the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics will hold a hearing to determine whether Bishop Harry Jackson, a Maryland pastor who has been outspoken in his opposition to marriage equality, can begin gathering signatures in support of a referendum that would ask D.C. voters to reject the legislation recognizing marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in other jurisdictions. [Link]
Celebrating Loving v Virginia
Posted on Jun 09, 2009 at 02:23 pm
Science Blogs
June 9, 2009
There are events planned all over the country over the next week to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ruling in Loving v Virginia, which overturned all state laws against interracial marriage. Below, a few words from Mildred Loving on the freedom to marry:
June 9, 2009
There are events planned all over the country over the next week to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ruling in Loving v Virginia, which overturned all state laws against interracial marriage. Below, a few words from Mildred Loving on the freedom to marry:
When my late husband, Richard, and I got married in Washington, DC in 1958, it wasn't to make a political statement or start a fight. We were in love, and we wanted to be married. I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about.[Link]
100+ D.C. Faith Leaders Show Support for Freedom to Marry
Posted on Jun 03, 2009 at 12:18 am
News Channel 8
June 2, 2009
More than 100 pastors and faith leaders voiced their support for same-sex marriage in D.C., standing in stark contrast to protests a month earlier by other pastors. [link]
June 2, 2009
More than 100 pastors and faith leaders voiced their support for same-sex marriage in D.C., standing in stark contrast to protests a month earlier by other pastors. [link]
Group Aims to Block D.C. Marriage Bill
Posted on May 27, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Washington Post
May 27, 2009
Proponents of continuing marriage discriminationformally requested a citywide referendum yesterday to block the District from recognizing legal marriages of gay couples performed in other jurisdictions, but in the District they face a greater hurdle to get the issue on the ballot than in California. [link]
May 27, 2009
Proponents of continuing marriage discriminationformally requested a citywide referendum yesterday to block the District from recognizing legal marriages of gay couples performed in other jurisdictions, but in the District they face a greater hurdle to get the issue on the ballot than in California. [link]
Support Grows for the Freedom to Marry in DC
Posted on May 22, 2009 at 10:54 am
Washington Blade
May 22, 2009
The discussion over whether the District of Columbia should legalize the freedom to marry picked up steam and moved to the city’s neighborhoods over the past week as the Democratic Party committees in wards 8 and 6 voted to endorse full marriage equality for gays while the party committee in Ward 5 voted “no” on the issue. Meanwhile, another member of the City Council, Harry Thomas (D-Ward 5), said through a spokesperson that he would vote for a full marriage bill, making him the 11th member of the 13-member Council to inform the Blade in an informal survey of their support for the legislation. [link]
May 22, 2009
The discussion over whether the District of Columbia should legalize the freedom to marry picked up steam and moved to the city’s neighborhoods over the past week as the Democratic Party committees in wards 8 and 6 voted to endorse full marriage equality for gays while the party committee in Ward 5 voted “no” on the issue. Meanwhile, another member of the City Council, Harry Thomas (D-Ward 5), said through a spokesperson that he would vote for a full marriage bill, making him the 11th member of the 13-member Council to inform the Blade in an informal survey of their support for the legislation. [link]