News & Events

Press Advisory- DC Council Vote

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2009
Contact: Kelley Moran (916-265-3390)
kelley@yesongaymarriage.com

Yes On Gay Marriage Applauds DC Council Vote to Recognize Gay Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C – The Washington D.C. Council voted Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Yes on Gay Marriage National Director, Kelley Moran, said, “Now we must work to allow gay marriages in the District of Columbia.”

D.C. Council members voted 12-1 in favor of recognizing same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, indicated he will sign the measure. Once signed, Congress has 30 days to review the bill and, if they take no action, the measure becomes law automatically.

While supporters of the measure consider the legislation a necessary step toward allowing gay marriages to be performed in the nation’s capitol, Moran said this action highlights why we need the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.

“DOMA effectively denies more than 1,100 rights and responsibilities granted to married couples by the federal government alone,” Moran said Tuesday. “Because of DOMA, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) couples go without federal rights even when their states recognize their relationships either through marriage or some other arrangement such as a civil union. The LGBT community does not have equality,” Moran said Tuesday. “We are denied our civil rights and obligations. Our government must say yes on gay marriage, pure and simple, and we will never settle for less.”

“I also commend the National Organization of Women (NOW) for their support of the Council and our efforts,” Moran added. “Yesterday, the group sent out an action alert urging NOW members to attend the Council session to show their support for those voting in favor of the bill. NOW members understand the significance of the Council’s actions.”

Yes on Gay Marriage, a nation-wide organization comprised of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and heterosexual individuals, has called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have publicly stated their support for the repeal.

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