Results tagged “referendum”

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics released the petition documents today of those individuals who filed initiative measure applications for the so-called "Marriage Initiative of 2009." This is the petition put together by a group of D.C. area Baptist ministers, led by the outspoken Bishop Harry Jackson, who are seeking to put the question of whether to legalize same-sex marriage in the District up for a popular vote. Applicants for initiative measures to the BOEE are required to provide proof of D.C. residence, and the papers indicate that Jackson now claims to reside at 1100 First Street SE, Apt. 1310. That's the Onyx on First luxury apartment building, right by the Navy Yard Metro station and not far from Nationals Park.

As expected, Bishop Harry Jackson filed his petition with the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics today to request a ballot initiative on legalizing same-sex marriage in the District. It's a move designed to preempt legislative action from the D.C. Council on the issue later this year (At-large councilmember David Catania has promised to introduce such a bill this fall), with Jackson betting on a redux of California's Prop 8. Perhaps more surprising, however, is that the Archdiocese of Washington has also gotten involved in the movement, although without officially joining Jackson's Stand4MarriageDC coalition. The Post reports that Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl also submitted a letter to the elections board today calling for a referendum. Via Tim Craig:

"It is ironic that at the same time the city is asking for voting representation in the U.S. Congress, its leaders are denying residents the opportunity to participate in the Democratic process for an issue with widespread implications for children and families," Ronald Jackson, executive director of the D.C. Catholic Conference, said in a statement.

Sigh. It's a real shame to discover that the Catholic Church doesn't understand the difference between representative democracy and direct democracy.

Tim Craig is reporting in the WaPo that D.C. Council Chair Vincent Gray appears to be feeling rather wishy-washy about the possibility of bringing same-sex marriage legislation before the voters, in the form of a referendum. "I really haven't thought much about this," Gray said, noting that he intends to take the temperature of the other Council members before making up his mind. In the event you, DCist readers, have managed to find the time in your busy lives to think on this issue and would like to share your thoughts with the Chairman, you can contact his office at (202) 724-8032, or email vgray@dccouncil.us.