Mar 25, 2005   | COMMENTS     

The Alexandria City Council on March 8 became the first municipality in Virginia to pass a resolution declaring its opposition to any proposed federal or state amendments that would define marriage as only between a man and a woman. The resolution, which passed unanimously, states that constitutional amendments that limit marriage to opposite sex couples “intentionally discriminate against lesbians and gay men by denying them access to the protections, benefits and responsibilities extended through civil marriage.” The council stated that marriage amendments “appeal to prejudices and fears rather than to equality and justice” and it formally asked its state and federal representatives to “pursue policies that affirm individual and family rights for all citizens … and create the federal legal atmosphere necessary for equality in civil rights.” The city also reiterated its support for its Human Rights Ordinance that precludes discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation (added as a protected class in 1988) or disability. Gay Councilmember Paul Smedberg said that businesses and chambers of commerce from around the state have sent letters to the City Council expressing concern that a marriage amendment to the state constitution might ultimately drive some businesses out of Virginia.
EARTHA MELZER

New attempt made at gay anti-discrimination bill in Del.
A bill being proposed in Delaware would add sexual orientation, “whether real or perceived,” to the state’s anti-discrimination policy. According to the Associated Press, House Bill 36, sponsored by Rep. William Oberle Jr., differs from previous bills that have attempted to provide protection for gay Delaware residents, in that it includes “whereas” clauses, in which it states what the bill would not do. The bill specifies that it does not permit marriage between members of the same sex, ask for domestic partner benefits from employers or create hiring preferences or quotas. The Blade could not reach Oberle for comment. The bill has already brought about a heavy dose of controversy and debate, the AP reported. Supporters of HB36, say the words “real or perceived” offer protection for heterosexuals who are discriminated against because they are perceived as gay. Opponents have said the bill’s wording would serve as an excuse for employees who have lost their jobs based on legitimate reasons but want to challenge their dismissal. William Johnson, a member of Delaware’s Human Relations Commission and former president of the state’s bar association, said the bill would not establish special rights, but equal rights, AP reported. Andrea Evans, a member of the Delaware Family Foundation, said the bill is harmful to the state’s economy and common good.
YUSEF NAJAFI

D.C. mayor calls for gay citizen summit
D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is inviting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender residents to attend and participate in an all-day “LGBT Citizen Summit,” scheduled for April 30. Wanda Alston, director of the mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, who was killed on March 16, was organizing the summit. Five key issues are scheduled to be addressed pertaining to health, youth challenges, including the D.C. public school system, business, public safety, and “making government work,” city officials said. Participants will also be invited to discuss other issues of concern during small group sessions led by summit facilitators, according to a preliminary agenda for the summit. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the soon-to-be-opened Greenleaf Recreation Center at 1st and M streets, SW. Further information on the summit can be obtained from the Web site www.citizensummit.dc.gov.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Us Helping Us moves to Northwest location
Us Helping Us, People Into Living Inc., a 20-year-old D.C.-based organization that specializes in HIV and AIDS preventative care among gay and bisexual African Americans, moved on March 17 from its Southeast D.C., location, on Capitol Hill, to Northwest Washington. Ernest Walker, manager of outreach services at the AIDS service organization, said the group has already begun seeing clients at its new location. The move was necessary, officials there said, in part so the group could have access to more space in one location. “We leased six buildings over in the Southeast area, and we outgrew the individual houses we had,” Walker said of the old location. The new headquarters and service facility is at 3636 Georgia Ave., NW. In addition to the organization’s Web site at www.ushelpingus.com, Us Helping Us can now be reached by telephone at 202-446-1100, and by fax at 202-204-0808.
YUSEF NAJAFI