District of Columbia
The District of Columbia is home to a large community of same-sex couples and their families. The District city council passed a domestic partnership law in 1992, which offered a few (less than 8 of 212 in the DC code) protections and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their families, but the U.S. Congress blocked this law from taking effect until 2002. DC now stands with thirteen states offering some statewide form of recognition for same-sex couples and their families. State advocacy groups continue to work for true fairness and equality by ending the exclusion of gay and lesbian couples and their families from marriage.
WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
GLAA is a local, all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit political organization,
founded in 1971. We are the nation's oldest continuously active organization
fighting for the civil rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.
DC for Marriage
DC for Marriage is an emerging group of local residents working towards equal rights and responsibilities for same sex couples in the District of Columbia.
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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
Your Community—District of Columbia
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and
relationship recognition laws in each state.
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PUBLICATIONS:
District of Columbia Census Snapshot
December 2007
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in the District of Columbia.
Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the
American Community Survey
Williams Institute
November 2007
Gary Gates at the Williams Institute released groundbreaking research
on the geographic trends among same-sex couples. The report finds the
biggest increases in Southern and Mountain states and states barring
legal acceptance of same-sex couples had larger percentage increases
in same-sex couples from 2000 to 2006.
Marriage Law in the District of Columbia
Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
December 2003
This report enumerates the 212 protections and responsibilities of
marriage in the District of Columbia code, most of which same-sex
couples and their families are excluded from.
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NEWS:
D.C.-area gay couples earn less than married counterparts
New analyses show that local same-sex couples often earn less than married men and women. According to data recently released by the University of California’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation, married couples trump same-sex couples in nine of 16 categorical salary comparisons. Gary Gates, a Williams Institute senior research fellow, said the analyses “break down some very common stereotypes” of gays. “Same-sex couples are much more diverse than I think our media presentations would indicate,” he said.
Families prepare for White House egg roll
365Gay.com
April 3, 2007
More than one hundred gay and lesbian families have signed up to take
part in this year's annual White House Easter Egg Roll — twice the
number that had signed on this time last year.
Actress Kate Fleming's death underscores why marriage matters
Washington Blade
January 19, 2007
If she and Charlene Strong, were wed in a commitment ceremony nearly
nine years ago had been legal spouses, the decisions that came next
would have been made quickly, albeit painfully. But Strong was
initially denied the right to visit Fleming in the hospital as she lay
dying. When asked what relationship she had to Fleming, Strong told
the truth, unwilling to lie and say they were sisters.
DC fourth grader inspires his moms with touching tribute
Washington Blade
May 10, 2006
A fourth grade student at Francis Scott Key Elementary in Northwest
D.C., wrote an essay taking a stand on marriage equality and families.
Gay families join the White House Easter egg roll
New York Times
April 10, 2006
Some 200 gay families are planning to attend the annual White House
Easter Egg Roll next Monday to help the president understand that gay
families exist in this country and deserve the rights and protections
that all families need.
DC council to vote on civil unions
365Gay.com
January 2, 2006
This week, the DC council will vote on allowing civil unions. The
measure, authored by council member-at-large Phil Mendelson (D), has
gained widespread support and would give unmarried couples some of the
broadest domestic partner rights in the country. One councilor is
considering a competing bill that would legalize marriage. The civil
union bill is scheduled for vote on Wednesday.
Married gay couple not allowed to file joint tax return in DC
Washington Post
May 4, 2005
Under pressure from Republican Senator, the DC local government
replied to an inquiry from a couple married in Massachusetts, telling
them that unlike other married couples they may not file a joint
return.
Attorney General OKs married D.C. couples to file joint taxes
Washington Post
April 20, 2005
District Attorney General Robert Spagnoletti released an opinion
saying married gay couples may file jointly on District tax returns.
The decision forces District leaders to finally decide if gay unions
will be recognized in the nation's capital.
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This report enumerates the 212 protections and responsibilities of
marriage in the District of Columbia code, most of which same-sex
couples and their families are excluded from.
Williams Institute
December 2007
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in the District of Columbia.
Read families’ stories about how marriage discrimination affects everyday life. These stories communicate, in concrete ways, how the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage hurts families and helps no one.
Start in The Marriage Basics to get short answers to your big questions about the freedom to marry, and learn more about the protections and responsibilities of marriage, the historical background for this civil rights movement, why separate is not equal, and so much more.
