LGBT rights in the District of Columbia
| LGBT rights in the District of Columbia | |
|---|---|
 District of Columbia (US) |
|
| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Legal since 1993 (Legislative repeal) |
| Discrimination protections | Yes |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships |
Same-sex marriage since March 2, 2010 |
|
Restrictions:
|
none |
| Adoption | Yes |
The establishment of LGBT rights in the District of Columbia is a relatively recent occurrence, with the majority of advances in LGBT rights taking place in the past century. Along with nine states, the District of Columbia recognizes marriage of same-sex couples.[1] The percentage of households in the District of Columbia based on same-sex couples in 2008 was at 1.8%, the highest in the nation.[2]
Contents |
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity [edit]
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1981 but the decision was quickly overturned by the United States Congress.[3] A successful legislative repeal of laws criminalizing same-sex sexual activity followed in 1993.[4]
Recognition of same-sex relationships [edit]
Same-sex domestic partnerships were legalized by the city government in 1992 through the Health Benefits Expansion Act, but the Republican-controlled Congress refused to approve the measure until 2002, when a legislative rider preventing Congressional approval of the Act's implementation was not included that year. Afterward, the domestic partnerships provisions of District law were incrementally expanded.
Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia was legalized on December 18, 2009, when mayor Adrian Fenty signed a bill passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on December 15, 2009. Following the signing the measure entered a mandatory Congressional review of 30 work days. Marriage licenses became available on March 3, 2010, and marriages began on March 9, 2010. The District became the only jurisdiction in the United States below the Mason–Dixon Line to allow same-sex couples to marry, until neighboring Maryland legalized same sex marriage in 2012. (Same-sex marriage in California was briefly legal in 2008, but it is not considered to be below the Mason-Dixon Line, even though most of it is further south than the line.)
Domestic partnerships for same-sex and opposite-sex couples remain available as an option alongside marriage.[5]
The District has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2002.[6]
Discrimination protection [edit]
Sexual orientation and gender identity are covered as protected classes under the District of Columbia's law.[7]
Hate crime laws [edit]
District's hate crime law covers hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.[8]
Gender reassignment [edit]
Transgender individuals may amend their birth certificates after they have undergone sex-reassignment surgery.[9]
References
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/11/politics/btn-same-sex-marriage/index.html
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/11/politics/btn-same-sex-marriage/index.html
- ^ http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/advocate-45/2012/08/21/45-biggest-homophobes-our-45-years?page=0,4
- ^ D.C. Sodomy Law
- ^ D.C. Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
- ^ National Conference of State Legislatures: "States offering benefits for same-sex partners of state employees", accessed April 16, 2011
- ^ D.C. Non-Discrimination Law
- ^ D.C. Hate Crimes Law
- ^ D.C. Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
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