May 16, 2008
D.C. Council Passes Domestic Partner Law Expansion
As if yesterday's news from California wasn't enough to get gays everywhere excited, same-sex couples here in D.C. recently got a little something extra to celebrate. Early last week the D.C. Council expanded its domestic partners law, granting registered couples rights previously only granted through marriage.
The Council passed the measure, titled the Omnibus Domestic Partnership Equality Amendment Act of 2008, unanimously on May 6. Councilmember Phil Mendelson wrote the legislation and was its lead sponsor.
The bill includes 39 new provisions which affect various laws in D.C., in particular how domestic partners fit into a family. For instance, the Human Rights Act of 1977 was expanded to include domestic partners in the definition of a family member. Previously the act specified an individual, his or her spouse — implying a legally married couple by definition — a dependent child, and any person related to either by blood.
Other provisions include adding domestic partnerships as a marital status; granting domestic partners survivor benefits in regards to retirement, workers' compensation and other financial matters; and granting domestic partners equal footing with married couples regarding housing law.
D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, who co-sponsored the bill, told the Blade that the newly passed provisions combined with existing laws essentially creates civil unions. He added, "We may have a provision here and there that still needs to be changed, but this bill is a major chunk of what is needed to be completed."
As with other bills the Council passes, this bill is subject to review by Congress. If Congress doesn't act on the bill within 30 legislative days, it is automatically approved. D.C. has recognized domestic partnerships since 1992, but due to congressional oversight wasn't allowed to spend local funds to implement the law until 2002.
D.C. last expanded domestic partners law in March 2007 when the Domestic Partnerships Joint Filing Act of 2006 became law.
Photo by M.V. Jantzen.
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I forget: What does it mean "if Congress doesn't act"? Would both houses need to pass a law overruling the measure, or could just one do it? Can a single senator hold it up?
Our situation is so weird.
Anyway, I'm glad this passed. Hopefully it will slip under the Congressional radar. Although I fear that Republicans looking for an election issue will, in light of the CA decision, pounce on this.
I also wonder whether Silverman's challenge to Evans prompted him to get his name on this.
The gays. Always demanding that they be treated like actual taxpayers and citizens.
The nerve of the Pink Menace.
I'm all in favor of granting domestic partnership equality for the gays, but I have yet to hear anyone from the Council speak out in favor of legalizing hobosexual partnerships.
I won't rest until Marion Barry acknowledges and celebrates my love for my longtime companion, Boxcar Willie.
The state by sate situation is probably how this is going to move forward, but it still leaves us without many federal rights that the states have no power over, like the ability to sponsor our partners for immigration.
i killed a hobo once on my way to smith point. pure thrill kill.
Immigration?
You want to bring even more of The Gays in?
Good Lord, man, isn't JRs crowded enough already?
Boxcar Willie was a great musician and great American. I am saddened to see someone turn him into DCist comedy fodder.
Goddamn America!
http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/3/L10120395.jpg
faaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous!
Reid - I believe both houses have to pass a resolution disapproving a DC act for it to be negated.
Of course, another backdoor option (snicker, snicker) is to attach a rider in some non-related federal bill that prohibits DC from doing this.
Also, if you are a boxing and wrestling commissioner, you can no longer act in a way that would financially benefit your domestic partner. How's that for progress towards equality!! Go D.C.!
"As if yesterday's news from California wasn't enough to get gays everywhere excited...."?
How about "...to get everyone who believes in civil rights excited...," instead?
But I'm still prohibited from marrying my dog??? Dubya promissed that if the gays get married jeebus would get pissed AND people would be allowed to marry their pets.
i concur, crosstown.
Awesome.