After yesterday’s introduction of Councilmember Catania’s equal marriage bill, Councilmember Phil Mendelson wasted no time noticing a hearing [pdf] on the issue in his committee. On Monday, October 26, citizens are invited to given oral and written testimony on the proposal. The public hearing will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the 5th Floor Council Chambers of the John A. Wilson Building.
Having a solid show of local support at the hearing is critical to demonstrate that the District is behind marriage equality. We need EVERYONE, from clergy, to couples, to district residents, to friends and family of district residents to sign-up to testify in favor of the bill. If you know someone who believes in equality (even if they don’t want to get married) please have them sign-up NOW.
You might be thinking, “well, I don’t know what I would say…” which is fine. There will be a training at HRC on Oct 20th to work with individuals on their testimony and to go over best practices for delivering testimony. RSVP for the training here. Also, it’s important that you realize that this is not an inquiry where you’ll be asked questions – you don’t need to be an expert, just a concerned citizen.
Those who wish to testify should contact Ms. Deborah Kelly, Legislative Clerk, at (202) 724-7808, by fax at (202) 724-6664, or via e-mail at dkelly@dccouncil.us, and provide their name, address, telephone number, organizational affiliation and title (if any) by close of business Thursday, October 22, 2009. Persons wishing to testify are encouraged, but not required, to submit 15 copies of written testimony. If submitted by the close of business on Thursday, October 22, 2009 the testimony will be distributed to Councilmembers before the hearing. As it is anticipated that a large number of witnesses will testify, witnesses will be limited to three minutes of testimony. The Committee will continue this hearing at a later date if the number of witnesses exceeds what can be reasonably accommodated in a single day.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
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