Here's some GREAT news today, which comes from Washington D.C.! The Washington Blade, which is an online gay and lesbian news service, reports that the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics has successfully blocked a petition to hold a referendum on whether only "opposite-sex marriage" should be recognized in Washington D.C. This is an exciting development because Bishop Harry R. Jackson of Beltsville, Maryland was trying to stop D.C. from recognizing same-gender marriages from elsewhere. As you may know, D.C. recently passed a measure that would allow D.C. businesses and government to recognize same-gender marriages performed elswhere, such as Connecticut.
The Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibbaro reports this really awesome news ~
The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics Monday denied a petition seeking a voter referendum to overturn a city law recognizing same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions, saying such a referendum would violate the city's Human Rights Act.
"Based upon the written and oral opinions submitted to the board regarding the propriety of the referendum, as well as its own research and consideration of the matter, the board now concludes that the referendum does not present a proper subject of referendum because it would authorize discrimination prohibited under the Human Rights Act," the board states in a 12-page decision.
The election board's action represents a victory for gay rights advocates, who strongly opposed the referendum, and at least a temporary defeat for the pastor of a Prince George's County, Md., church who emerged as the lead backer of the measure.
This makes me so incredibly happy. Of course, I imagine that the bigots will stop at nothing, and I bet the haters will even take the entire D.C. Council to court over this (I seriously wouldn't be surprised). But this is a victory of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people and even straight allies. It's a victory that I thought I'd share since we could use some good news after last week's D.O.M.A. debacle.
As well, I've seen some reports that suggest D.C. is also considering the possibility of passing legislation, which would allow D.C. to conduct its own same-gender marriage. We can only hope and petition, petition, petition. If you'd like to learn more about D.C.'s Council, go to their Website Here. Consider sending them an e-mail or fax, or making a phone call. Positive reinforcement is always a good thing with these politicians. Or, you can contact them via these channels ~
Council Chairman: Vincent C. Gray
E-mail: vgray@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8032
Fax: (202) 724-8085
Address: John A. Wilson Building, Suite 5, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004
E-mail: dccouncil@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8000
Fax: (202) 347-3070
~ Peace to you all