Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009
December 1, 2009 Ist Council Vote was 11-2 in favor
December 15, 2009 2nd Council Vote was 11-2 in favor
December 17, 2009 The Mayor signed the bill at All Souls Church
January 5, 2010 The District Council transmitted the bill to Congress for a 30 day legislative review.
30 day review period:
Congress has 30 legislative days to review the bill. If they take no action after 30 legislative days, which will end sometime in February or March of 2010, civil marriage equality in the District will become law.
Because DC is not a state, Congress can always intervene in our affairs. If Congress allows the bill to become law after the 30 legislative day review period, the Campaign for All DC Families will continue to work diligently on the Hill through the Spring/Fall 2010 DC Appropriations process to ensure that no riders are attached to the Appropriations Bill that would keep civil marriage equality from continuing to be a reality in the District.
Even after that time, we will always be vigilant knowing that Congress can intervene in DC at anytime. In addition, the Campaign for All DC Families will both monitor and potentially intercede in the Courts to work to ensure that DC law, which prohibits initiatives or referenda on issues that would impact the rights of residents protected under the District's Human Rights Act, is upheld.
Because of this long and continuing process, the Campaign for All DC Families appreciates the support of those who share our mission to win and ensure that civil marriage equality is a reality in the District of Columbia.