Republicans Want DOMA For DC

A Republican-led group of lawmakers wants to define marriage in the District of Columbia as between a man and a woman.The group introduced a bill in the House on Thursday, hoping to thwart a city council vote this month recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Five states — Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont — allow gay marriage.Congress, which has final say over laws in the nation's capital, has until July to act against the district measure. Otherwise, it automatically becomes law. Some council members have said the legislation is the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriage in Washington.
(NW32)

DC Vigil Planned For Durval Martins

For those in the DC area, DC’s GLBT Anti-Violence Task Force GLOV will hold a candlelight vigil and march through Logan Circle on the evening of May 19, 2009 to honor the life of Durval Martins and raise awareness of biased crimes against members of our GLBT community.

On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, Durval Martins was shot and killed while walking home at the intersection of 11th and Q streets, NW in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood. Local community leaders will be in attendance to raise awareness, enlist community support in finding those responsible and condemn hate-biased violence. Please join us.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (estimated)

WHERE: Introductory remarks at Reeve Center Courtyard (Corner of 14th and U streets, NW). Procession will head South on 14th street, East on Q street, end at 11th and Q streets, NW and end with a moment of silence at corner of 11th and Q streets, NW (the site of Durval Martins’ murder).

WHAT TO WEAR: Attendees are encouraged to show solidarity by wearing white.

(HRC)