D.C. marriage ban would face uphill fight - Washington Blade: Gay and Lesbian News, Entertainment, Politics and Opinion

NOVEMBER 22, 2009


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Washington Blade - Local residents protested passage of California’s Prop 8, but a similar initiative to ban same-sex marriage in D.C. would have to overcome more daunting bureaucratic obstacles. (Blade photo by Henry Linser)

Local residents protested passage of California’s Prop 8, but a similar initiative to ban same-sex marriage in D.C. would have to overcome more daunting bureaucratic obstacles. (Blade photo by Henry Linser)

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D.C. marriage ban would face uphill fight
City referendum rules favor retaining Council-passed bills

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Dec 05, 2008 | By: LOU CHIBBARO JR | COMMENTS

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initiative is intended to allow voters to propose a new law or to “change the status quo” of an existing law. Both said the election board would make a determination on whether an initiative could be called to repeal a same-sex marriage law if and when someone proposes it.

Rules governing D.C. voter initiatives established under the City Charter prohibit an initiative from being used to change or repeal the city’s Human Rights Act in a way that would lead to discrimination. Some activists say they will ask Catania or other Council members to draft a gay marriage bill as an amendment to the Human Rights Act.

Approving a same-sex marriage bill as part of the Human Rights Act would not prevent opponents from attempting to kill it through a referendum, according to McGann. But he said it could prevent opponents from repealing it through an initiative because all Human Rights Act provisions are “immune” from the initiative process.

COMMENTS

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jeri .

0

a marriage ceremony takes place on one day, but maintaining love, trust, and commitment makes up a lifetime. a successful marriage cannot be determined by legislation or the pomp of ceremony. marriage equality is not so much about marriage, gay or straight, as it is about basic equality. marriage equality symbolically removes the GLBT community from their present status as second class citizens, routinely denied basic rights and privileges. as human beings, we cannot afford to accept that status. in this struggle, strategy is important, but resolve is essential. we cannot accept "alternatives" because there are none. anything less than full equality is an insult to you, and to our brothers and sisters in the community. we have to possess enough self respect, determination, and courage to demand full equality. we will not be denied.

Posted 12/5/08 - 11:32 AM

rpcv84
Laurel, MD

0

Good. I hope it does face an uphill battle. With all the social and financial problems facing the District, the last item on the Council's agenda should be gay marriage. Besides, in light of the Prop 8 voting patterns, I know a gay marriage initiative would be an extremely hard sell to the black community.

Posted 12/5/08 - 7:57 PM

Mr Chris

0

Good Luck at this time. I don't think it will pass. It needs more time.

Posted 12/7/08 - 2:50 AM

RCS

0

Jeri is right. The end goal has to be full marriage equality. Having said that, strategy is important. Proponents need to consider if they can get it passed and kept in force if it is passed. Any move to pass full gay marriage should be timed correctly and co-ordinated with allies in Congress to give it the best chance possible to stay in force. Good luck to Councilman Catania and other pro-gay members of the DC Council as they weigh this measure and decide how best to proceed at this time. I want it passed, but I don't want it to then be repealed.

Posted 12/7/08 - 11:24 AM

ReasonableDoubt
Washington, DC

0

Keep scapegoating the black community for the Prop 8 loss, rpcv84...that is sure to help.

Posted 12/11/08 - 10:53 AM