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D.C. Election Officials Block Marriage Referendum

Excellent news. The D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics has blocked a proposed voter referendum seeking to overturn a city law recognizing same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions because it would violate the District's human rights law, the Washington Blade reports.

The referendum was sought by the publicity-hungry gay-bashing Bishop Harry Jackson and a group of local ministers. The Blade reports: "In their 12-page memorandum, board members Errol Arthur and Charles Lowery Jr. concluded 'that the referendum does not present a proper subject of referendum because it would authorize discrimination prohibited under the Human Rights Act. Because the referendum would authorize discrimination prohibited by the HRA, it is not a proper subject for referendum, and may not be accepted by the board,' says the memorandum. The ruling came days after D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles issued a legal opinion saying the proposed voter referendum should not be allowed."

Jackson, of the Hope Christian Church in nearby Beltsville Maryland, has been the chief opponent of the move toward marriage equality in the nation's capitol. In late April, the anti-gay reverend and Marion Barry, the former mayor and current council member, lead an anti-gay rally to protest the Council's vote. 

Mayor Adrian Fenty has signed the bill. The legislation becomes law after July 6th unless Congress intervenes.

Some Background...
Anti-Gay Ministers Want Referendum [R20]
Marriage Equality Debate in D.C.'s Black Community [R20]
Anti-Gay Black Pastors Threaten to Unseat Council [R20]
D.C. Council Votes to Recognize Other States' SSMs [R20]
Marion Barry Reneges on Marriage Equality [R20]
Mayor Fenty Defends Council's Gay Marriage Vote [R20]

Holocaust Museum Gunman Charged with Murder

Authorities file federal charges that could carry the death penalty against 88-year-old avowed white supremacist James W. von Brunn in yesterday's fatal shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, according to news reports.

The New York Times reports: "Police on Thursday charged Mr. von Brunn, who was in critical condition at George Washington University Hospital, with murder in the death of Mr. Johns, 39, from Temple Hills, Md. The victim, who worked for a private security company, had been assigned to the museum for six years. Mr. von Brunn was also charged with possessing and shooting a firearm in a federal building, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was pursuing charges of civil rights and hate crimes against him. F.B.I. officials said they thought Mr. von Brunn had acted alone."

The Washington Post reports investigators found bizarre, handwritten notes in the gunman's car that alluded to racist, anti-Semitic conspiracies and President Barack Obama. "You want my weapons—this is how you'll get them. The Holocaust is a lie. Obama created the Jews [sic]. Obama does what his Jew owners tell him to do."

The Southern Poverty Law Center describes von Brunn as a "raging anti-Semite and racist" with "a long history of associations with prominent neo-Nazis and Holocaust deniers."

 

AFTER THE JUMP,  watch Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty announce murder charges are filed against von Brunn and Rachel Maddow profiles the shooter's internet trail of hate.

Anti-Gay Ministers Want Referendum on D.C. Marriage

Clearly buoyed by Tuesday's decision by the California Supreme Court to let stand the voter-approved initiative that banned same-sex marriage, the publicity-hungry gay-bashing Bishop Harry Jackson and a group of local ministers filed papers requesting a voter referendum to overturn the new Washington D.C. law that recognizes legal same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, reports the Washington Post.

In paperwork filed with the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics, the group Stand 4 Marriage D.C. said it wants to begin the process of collecting about 21,000 signatures needed to overturn the bill that the D.C. Council overwhelmingly approved this month recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. That bill is tentatively scheduled to take effect in July.

The referendum effort is a preemptive strike designed to slow plans by several council members to take up a separate bill this year to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in the District.

"It's a declaration of war," said Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, a vocal critic of same-sex marriage and a leader of the referendum effort. "We are sending a clear message this is going to be fought every step of the way."

Jackson has allied with other ministers from the Washington region. The Archdiocese of Washington issued a statement yesterday reiterating its opposition to same-sex marriage but withheld support for the proposed referendum until church officials could review it.

Marriage equality opponents in the District will face a much greater hurdle to get the issue on the ballot than opponents did in California. The Washington Blade reports: "The law prohibits referenda aimed at changing tax laws, appropriating funds or restricting or repealing the city's Human Rights Act. Some gay activists have argued that a referendum calling for prohibiting same-sex marriage in the District could not be allowed because it would violate the Human Rights Act's ban on sexual orientation discrimination. "

Michael Crawford, the black gay activist, blogger and president of the same-sex marriage advocacy group D.C. For Marriage, says the fight against ,marriage in the District is likely to become even uglier than California. "I think we would see a very divisive campaign along racial lines," Crawford said. "It's up to each of us to work hard to make sure that doesn't happen."

Group Seeks to Block DC Bill [WaPo]
Anti-Gay Ministers Seek Referndum [Blade]

Some Background...
Anti-Gay Black Pastors Threaten to Unseat Council [R20]
D.C. Council Votes to Recognize Other States' SSMs [R20]
Marion Barry Reneges on Marriage Equality [R20]
Mayor Fenty Defends Council's Gay Marriage Vote [R20]
DC Mayor Fenty to Meet with Activists on Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
DC Police Say Fatal Attack Robbery, Not Hate Crime [R20]
Report: Fenty Pledges to Sign a Gay Marriage Bill [R20]
Marion Barry Supports Gay Marriage [R20]
Fenty Staff Blamed For Objections to DP Bill [R20]
Fenty Admin. Objects to Domestic Partnership Bill [R20]

AP Reports on Marriage Equality Debate in D.C.'s Black Community

Very interesting. The Associated Press takes up the thorny issue of blacks and same-sex marriage in our nation's capitol, framing the recent city council vote to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages as a "signal the gay rights movement is making inroads among groups traditionally opposed to it."

"Washington became the first place in the U.S. with a large percentage of black residents to take up the issue. As more than 100 mostly black protesters gathered outside city hall, council member Marion Barry, a longtime supporter of gay rights, rejected the measure and sided with ministers who he said "stand on the moral compass of God." Despite Barry and Jackson's claims, there's evidence the city isn't as split on gay marriage as some suggest. Of the 12 council members who voted in favor of gay-marriage, six are black."

The money quote is from Donna Payne at the Human Rights Campaign on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on blacks gays in the black church. "A black preacher once told her she would be accepted into his church under one condition—that she didn't tell anyone she was a lesbian. Payne said keeping quiet wasn't possible. 'That's the conundrum in the African-American community,'  Payne said. 'They don't want to talk about it, but they know you're there.' "

Payne is spot-on. There are precious few black gayborhoods in the country and the majority of black LGBTs live in the larger black community. On the other hand Washington D.C. has one of the largest black LGBT communities in the country—many of whom live in NE and SE, many others in suburban Maryland. Will the District's many black gay men and lesbians stand up and be counted while Marion Barry and Harry Jackson insist there are few "out" black gays in their city? We shall see...

Gay Marriage in DC Moves Debate [AP]

Some Background...
Anti-Gay Black Pastors Threaten to Unseat Council [R20]
D.C. Council Votes to Recognize Other States' SSMs [R20]
Marion Barry Reneges on Marriage Equality [R20]
Mayor Fenty Defends Council's Gay Marriage Vote [R20]
DC Mayor Fenty to Meet with Activists on Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
DC Police Say Fatal Attack Robbery, Not Hate Crime [R20]
Report: Fenty Pledges to Sign a Gay Marriage Bill [R20]
Marion Barry Supports Gay Marriage [R20]
Fenty Staff Blamed For Objections to DP Bill [R20]
Fenty Admin. Objects to Domestic Partnership Bill [R20]

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Anti-Gay Black Pastors Threaten to Unseat D.C. Council Member

The fallout continues from this morning's vote by the Washington D.C. City council, which approved legislation 12-1 that would recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions. After creating "mayhem" in the Council chambers and being forcibly ejected by security, anti-gay black pastors determined to fight marriage equality in the District "threatened" to unseat Yvette Alexander, one of the Council's black members who supported the bill, reports The Advocate.

Council member Yvette Alexander, who described herself as a Christian, noted that the Stonewall Democrats' D.C. chapter, the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, had endorsed her based on the totality of her record in spite of the fact that she does not support same-sex marriage. "So when I did not agree on that one issue, they did not negate all the good works that I had done. The ministers on the other hand," Alexander said, "the ministers have really upset me to the point that they have questioned my Christianity, they have questioned my morality." Alexander said some ministers had threatened to run a Christian against her in the next election. 

Even though Alexander voted to recognize gay marriages performed outside the district, she added, "I can honestly say I'm still at odds with the issue of gay marriage in the District of Columbia. I still want to learn more about that issue. But I do know one thing, I do know that everybody is equal under God."

The same ministers who "questioned the morality" of Yvetter Alexander have proclaimed Council member and former Mayor Marion Barry one of the city's "moral leaders". Barry—the four-times married, ex-convict, tax-evading crack addict caught in an FBI sting with a prostitute—was the lone vote against the bill.

Perhaps the ministers should spend more time worried about D.C.'s astronomical crime and HIV rates, which are killing more in their community than same-sex marriage?

Out of State Same Sex Marriage in DC [Advocate]

D.C. Council Votes to Recognize Other States' Same-Sex Marriages

The Washington D.C. City Council has just voted 12-1 to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The only vote against the measure came from Council member and former mayor Marion Barry who first voted for the bill and "didn't realize what he was voting on", reports the Washington Post.

"The D.C. Council voted 13-0, without debate, to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has now asked that the gay marriage bill be reconsidered. He didn't realize what he was voting on before. He just gave a speech saying he is going to vote against it so it won't be unanimous vote. After further debate, a second vote was taken, with D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) deciding to vote against the proposal."

This is becoming a habit for the former mayor. Only three weeks ago, after coming out to support same-sex marriage, Barry co-sponsored this very same law that recognizes legal same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

AFTER THE JUMP, watch video of Marion Barry at last week's anti-gay rally. The four-times married, ex-convict and longtime crack addict, declared himself one of the city's "moral leaders." Priceless.

Marion Barry Reneges on Marriage Equality, Calls Himself "Moral Leader" at Anti-Gay Protest

In June 2008, Washington D.C. Council member and former mayor Marion Barry declared his support for same-sex marriage in the District. Three weeks ago Barry co-sponsored the District law that recognizes legal same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. The former mayor now breaks his promise and appears at an anti-gay rally organized by the publicity-hungry gay-bashing Bishop Harry Jackson of the Hope Christian Church in nearby Beltsville. Barry and Jackson call marriage equality "immoral."

The Washington Blade reports: "Jackson called on residents to demand that the Council vote down a same-sex marriage recognition amendment scheduled for a second and final vote May 5. Bishop Jackson told the gathering his supporters in many of D.C.'s black churches would circulate literature Sunday in church bulletins urging people to attend the May 5 Council session. He also urged city residents to ask their Council members to vote against the marriage recognition amendment."

WHEN YOU JUMP, via Right Wing Watch, Washington Blade and Metro Weekly, watch priceless video of Barry declare himself one of the city's "moral leaders." As a four-times married, ex-convict and longtime crack addict ... you keep telling yourself that, Marion.

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D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty Defends Council's Gay Marriage Vote

On Tuesday, the Washington D.C. City Council voted unanimously to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other states. The big question, of course, is what will be the reaction from Congress, who has veto power over District legislation.

Adrian Fenty, the hottie and gay friendly mayor of our nation's capitol, appeared on WJLA-TV to discuss the Council's decision and how he thinks Congress will react. Rough transcript as follows:

FENTY: Well, everyone is entitled to the same rights.
Q: Do you think Congress will, using their 30 day review period, that they have on all legislation coming out of the District...the Wilson Building. To what extent are you are you worried they will move on this?
FENTY: I can never say for sure what Congress will do. I hope they will respect the will of the Council of the District of Columbia.
Q: Would you be involved in any effort that might be needed to beat back any eruption of this issue on the Hill?
FENTY: It really just depends how it erupts. It's like gun rights. People have strong views on this matter ... but I think some are uing it in some ways as a soapbox. Some congressmen are using that to reinforce to constituents back home where they are on gun rights. I don't think they really care one way or another ... if some Congressman is trying to score chips to win back home, there is nothing you can do.
Q: Should gay marriages be performed in the District? Should your citizens who don't want to go somewhere else... be able to get married?
FENTY: That will eventually happen. That was discussed a lot in the mayoral campaign. There are GLBT organizations that differ. Not because they don't support marriage, but they differ on when it should go forward.. I have always said I will sign the bill, whether I was on the council or mayor, I would either vote for legislation or sign legislation... Again there is no question where the City Council stands. We have a unanimous vote. We have a great City Council. It is probably the same with voters. The question is when is the right time when we will get the least congressional push back. But we have LGBT organizations that debated this issue at least 2 years ago.

Watch the video AFTER THE JUMP.

District of Columbia Will Recognize Other States Same-Sex Marriages

Today yet another huge victory for our side. The Washington DC City Council votes unanimously to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other states. The Washington Post:

"Domestic partnerships are already legal in the nation's capital. But today's vote, billed as an important milestone in gay rights, explicitly recognizes relocated gay married couples as married. The initial vote was 12-0. The unanimous vote sets the stage for future debate on legalizing same-sex marriage in the District and a clash with Congress, which approves the city's laws under Home Rule. The council is expected to take a final vote on the legislation next month."

Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty is on record for supporting a gay marriage bill. The only question: Will the Congress, which has veto power over District legislation, support same-sex marriage in our nation's capitol?

DC Council Votes to Recognize [WaPo]

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DC Mayor Fenty to Increase Fight Against Anti-Gay Hate Crimes

Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty promises gay activists he will increase efforts to fight anti-gay hate violence and will comply with a longstanding "but little known requirement" to submit to the City Council an annual report on hate crimes in the city.

That's according to the Washington Blade, which reports Fenty and Police Chief Cathy Lanier met as scheduled with representatives of Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence. The administration reportedly made concessions on policing and prosecution, but, was not willing to issue a formal statement.

[Activists] said Fenty and Lanier were receptive to several other recommendations from GLOV, including one calling on the mayor and the city’s schools superintendent to set “measurable goals” for reducing anti-gay and anti-transgender harassment and bullying by students against other students at public schools.

The mayor also agreed to immediately arrange for his office to comply with a longstanding but little known requirement that the D.C. mayor submit to the City Council an annual report on hate crimes in the city.

Lanier agreed to keep GLOV up to date on police training programs related to hate crimes, Metrokin said. He said she also made a commitment to carry out a plan she announced in 2007 to keep the department’s Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit’s central office intact in Dupont Circle while assigning gay and lesbian officers to serve as liaisons to the GLLU at each of the department’s seven districts.

The chief did not agree to add two more officers to GLLU and restore staffing to its level of one year ago.

Another important development coming from the meeting regards the case of Tony Randolph Hunter, the black gay Maryland man who died after a brutal street attack near a popular gay bar in Northwest Washington DC. GLOV has complained that the U.S. Attorney’s office is not aggressively prosecuting Robert Hanna, the 18-year-old man charged with involuntary manslaughter in the September beating death. Police initially believed the attack was motivated by anti-gay bias but later said they had "insufficient evidence" to support that motive.

Activists say also Fenty and Lanier will "facilitate a meeting" between GLOV and the new U.S. Attorney for D.C. who will be appointed by President Barack Obama.

Some Background...
DC Mayor Fenty to Meet with Activists on Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
DC Police Say Fatal Attack Robbery, Not Hate Crime [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense Alleged in Brutal DC Murder [R20]
DC Police Make Arrest in Brutal Killing of Gay Man ... And Still No Hate Crime Charges [R20]
Report: Fenty Pledges to Sign a Gay Marriage Bill [R20]
Marion Barry Supports Gay Marriage [R20]
Fenty Staff Blamed For Objections to DP Bill [R20]
Fenty Admin. Objects to Domestic Partnership Bill [R20]
Fenty Orders Review of Marriage Options [R20]
DC Mayor Fenty Vows to Fight Rising HIV Rates [R20]