DC NOW Celebrates Unanimous Council Vote Recognizing Same-Sex Marriages from Other States

Statement of DC NOW Chapter Coordinator Elisabeth Crum 

The Washington, DC Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) applauds the recent vote by the DC City Council to recognize the reciprocity of same-sex marriages in the District. DC NOW is proud that the DC City Council is now one step closer to joining that list and recognizing the inalienable human rights of homosexuals. DC NOW would like to thank the Council for paving the way for legalized same-sex marriage in the District.

While this vote means a step toward equality, we still have a long way to go. Currently, the states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Vermont allow same-sex couples to marry in-full, while Maine, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Washington offer partner recognition in other forms. Legalizing same-sex marriage impacts individuals, families, and the community by eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex couples are still denied equal protection and equal benefits under the law through many policies including health coverage, parental rights, and inheritance laws.

~ 51st State NOW 

President – Stephanie Ortoleva 

Vice President – Ali Rodway

Secretary -  Vacant

Treasurer – Elisabeth Crum

The Conference also included a fantastic discussion with Olga Vives, National NOW, Executive Vice President.  Olga discussed the ground-breaking recent elections, outlining the challenges and opportunities  She highlighted the  fact that we finally have a President  and Vice President Elect who are in support of many of our issues and that this presents an opportunity for new initiatives, and rolling back some of the draconian actions of the current White House.  We also need to be proactive and  point out the importance of including women’s voices and appointments to the most powerful leadership positions in the Executive Branch.  Olga also reiterated the horrific vote on Proposition Eight in California and reminded us that the struggle for same sex marriage is the civil rights movement of our time.  The amazing run of Hillary Clinton, with her 18 million votes was also groundbreaking for women.  Olga had much more to say, but the minutes of the meeting are not yet finalized.  Thanks Olga for an inspiring discussion!

In addition, there was an informative and action oriented presentation by Larisa Kofman, J.D., Policy Director for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  She discussed the fact that the District of Columbia became the first jurisdiction in the country to mandate paid safe days to private employers and the second to mandate paid sick days.  As part of the spearheading legislative drafting, advocacy and mobilization campaign, she pointed out that it is critical to discuss the impact of these changing local employment policies regarding safe days for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking as well as the impact of these good public policy measures on low-income and part-time female workers.  The call to action here is to consider the benefits of these changing laws, promote a launch of education and training efforts so that residents are aware of these new laws and the impact on them, as well as examining how the District is the first wave of a national movement effort to create awareness and promote legal changes so that these employment barriers are alleviated.In the discussion that followed we discussed legislative lobbying strategies for women in the District of Columbia.

DC NOW is currently meeting to plan events including the annual chapter conference in April of 2009. To get involved or learn more, email washingtondcnow@gmail.com.