GLBT Issues
My record on GLBT issues is clear and strong. As the first elected official to support same sex civil marriage, I led the fight to repeal the District’s anti-sodomy law and fought hard for the passage of domestic partnerships. I also co-sponsored the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act, leading to the passage of gay marriage in the District.
While there is much to be proud of, there is still much to be done. GLBT hate crimes are on the rise and we remain vulnerable to the whims of a Republican-controlled Congress who would like nothing more than to strip away the rights we have fought hard for. I will continue to work closely with MPD’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLUU) to ensure that enforcement and education remain priorities of the Department and with the U.S. Attorney’s office to make sure that hate crimes are identified quickly and criminals prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Along with my Council colleagues, we will make sure that Congress does not infringe on the basic human rights of the District’s citizens.
I have served Ward 2 with pride since 1991 and will continue to fight on behalf of the GLBT community to ensure that everyone enjoys the same rights and privileges. More than that, I will continue to speak out against discrimination and prejudice when I see it.