10/23/2009
269 People Set to Testify at D.C. Marriage Equality Hearings
D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson, chairman of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, told the Washington Post he can't recall a hearing with as many public witnesses as that set to begin on Monday which deals with the proposal for marriage equality:
"So many people have signed up to testify that the hearing, scheduled to
begin Monday afternoon, it has been extended to a second day...In all, 269 people asked to testify before Thursday's deadline. The testimony from the witnesses, who get three minutes to present their case, could stretch past midnight on Monday. The witnesses represent numerous gay rights organizations, the
Democratic Party, various churches and religious organizations and some
public officials. But most of the witnesses are members of the public speaking out on their own accord."
Opponents of marriage equality have a request fro a referendum to block it before the Council, and plan a rally on Sunday at Freedom Plaza. Hearings on marriage equality begin at 3:30 pm on Monday.
DCist has some details on the witness list: "Looking at the witness lineup for this Monday's hearing, it should be good early on. Bob Summersgill and Rick Rosendall, two local gay rights activists, open up the proceedings. Bob King, the Ward 5 ANC commissioner who has been part of the push for a referendum goes 7th, followed by Kathryn Pearson-West, a resident who has strongly sided with the pro-referendum forces in repeated postings to local online newsletters. Our favorite, Bishop Harry Jackson, will speak 14th, while influential gay Ward 8 activist Phil Pannell goes in the #45 slot. As for organizational showing, the Human Rights Campaign is flexing some muscle with six of the 100 testimonies."
Previously...
Paper: Congress Unlikely to Block D.C. Marriage Equality Bill [tr]
Posted 5:12 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, News, Washington DC | Permalink
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I wish there was some mobilization in Sydney, it's a backwater for Marriage equality here. Trying to get people to break out of their complacency is one thing. Ah well for something completely different: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eyc3Da5qys
Posted by: James | Oct 24, 2009 8:50:28 AM
Aww I was expecting a post on that cock Nick Griffin being allowed on the BBC to spout hate.
Posted by: Jake | Oct 24, 2009 12:44:19 PM
I certainly hope our queers in our nations capitol schedule a counter protest at the very same plaza and time as the opponents. This is a numbers game, and we need to show our presence. Show up to the same place, same time as they are and show your support for equality. Don't expect politicians to do all the work. We need to get out there and roll up our sleeves as well. Call up a few friends, make a day out of it and show up.
Posted by: Bayley | Oct 24, 2009 4:31:28 PM