Same-Sex Marriage Wins Victory in DC

Election board rules referendum on gay marriage can't be held

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2009 4:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – Opponents of gay marriage in Washington DC have been handed a major setback by the District's board of elections, the Washington Post reports. The board blocked a proposal to hold a referendum on recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The ruling means that only a court will be able to stop such unions being recognized in Washington beginning next month.

The board decided that holding a referendum on same-sex marriage "authorizes discrimination," in violation of human rights law. The District's council is expected to vote for a bill that will allow same-sex couples to marry in the city later this year. Opponents of gay marriage blasted the decision as an "insult' that denies citizens their right to vote. They plan to appeal.

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Residents protest the District of Columbia city council's approval of legislation recognizing same sex marriages performed in other states. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions will be recognized in Washington DC starting next month unless a court steps in to block the city council's decision. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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I think this is a case where the human rights amendment protected the rights of individuals, and that is what it is supposed to do. In the District, you don't put rights
of a minority up to votes
of a majority.
- Gay rights activist Peter Rosenstein

The real human rights issue at stake in this decision is whether the people of DC will be given their right to vote.
- Bishop Harry Jackson, an opponent of same-sex marriage

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Same-Sex Marriage Wins Victory in DC