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DC: City Council Candidate Flips on Marriage Equality; Activists Skeptical

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Gay activists in Ward 5 have expressed skepticism over a candidate for the ward’s Council seat who says he no longer opposes the city’s same-sex marriage law.

Council candidate Delano Hunter, a Democrat, told the Blade last week that he no longer believes the marriage equality law should be subjected to a voter referendum, reversing his position from 2010 when he unsuccessfully ran for the Ward 5 seat against incumbent Harry Thomas (D).

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics officially declared the Ward 5 seat vacant on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after Thomas resigned shortly before pleading guilty to embezzling more than $300,000 in city funds. The board scheduled a special election on May 15 to fill the seat.

Full Story from The Washington Blade

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Tags: candidate, city council, delano hunter, marriage equality, washington dc

DC: City Council Candidate Drops Opposition to Marriage Equality

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

An outspoken advocate for placing D.C.’s same-sex marriage law on the ballot in a voter referendum in 2010 says he no longer holds that view and will express “respect” for the law as a candidate for the City Council in a special election this spring.

Civic activist Delano Hunter has announced plans to run for the Ward 5 Council seat that became vacant last week when incumbent Harry Thomas, a Democrat, resigned after pleading guilty to federal theft and tax evasion charges.

“I do not seek to overturn the Marriage Equality Act when elected,” Hunter told the Blade in a statement released on Tuesday.

Full Story from The Washington Blade

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Tags: candidate, city council, marriage equality, washington dc

DC: City Council Debates Divorce Equality

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Washington DC passed marriage equality in 2009, but now what about divorce equality? Well, a new bill before the City Council would allow same-sex couples married in DC to dissolve their unions without having to establish residency in the city. The bill was introduced by Councilmember Phil Mendelson and sponsored by eight other councilmembers.

The bill allows for same-sex couples living in other states to dissolve their marriages so long as they are legally married in DC, but they will not have to move there.

This is a way to circumvent the Defense of Marriage Act which allows the majority of states to ignore marriage licenses granted to same-sex couples, and thus, prevent them from getting a legal separation. Many states as well as DC have residency requirements with regards to divorces.

Full Story from Lez Get Real

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Tags: city council, divorce equality, washington dc

DC: Methodist Church Raises $42K in Marriage Equality Effort

Friday, June 10th, 2011

An initiative started by Foundry United Methodist Church, a Washington parish on 16th Street near Dupont Circle, to allow the denomination’s clergy to officiate same-sex weddings in jurisdictions where it’s legal raised $42,000 at an event held Sunday at the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture store.

Foundry had previously voted to allow its clergy to perform same-sex weddings in violation of the denomination’s Book of Discipline. The “Open Doors Fund” hopes to raise $200,000 to lay the groundwork to have a resolution passed at the denomination’s next global conference to be held in Florida in April. A similar resolution passed at a regional conference last month.

Foundry members say they feel called to take the lead on this issue.

Full Story from Washington Blade

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Tags: foundry united methodist church, Gay Marriage, washington dc

DC: City Leaders Urge House GOP Not to Strip Marriage Equality Law

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

With the spending season underway on Capitol Hill, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray joined activists Wednesday to urge Congress not to attach social policy “riders” to the District’s budget.

A House appropriations subcommittee will meet June 16 to consider a bill that includes the District’s budget for fiscal 2012. In past years, particularly when Republicans have controlled the House, that measure has been a magnet for language that changes city laws or restricts the use of locally raised funds.

In April, President Obama and House Republicans cut a spending deal that included a prohibition on government-funded abortions in the District and that revived and expanded a controversial private-school voucher program. House Republicans failed in their effort to include a ban on District-run needle exchange programs. That issue could surface again during next week’s session, and local officials and activists are also concerned that Republicans may target the city’s laws on same-sex marriage, medical marijuana and guns.

Full Story from the Washington Post

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Tags: Gay Marriage, gop, house, washington dc

DC Church Pushes for Marriage Equality Throughout Methodist Church

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

DC’s Foundry United Methodist Church has a rich history. It’s the church attended by the Clintons when Bill was president. And, the Church and its Senior Minister, Rev. Dean Snyder, are now taking a leading role in changing the United Methodist Church’s position on same sex-marriage. There was major progress in that direction over the weekend. From Washington Post:

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church narrowly approved a groundbreaking same-sex marriage resolution Saturday, setting the stage for a high-stakes vote on the matter at the national conference next year.

The resolution, passed at the church’s annual local conference, would amend the church’s Book of Discipline to allow pastors to perform same-sex marriages and ceremonies in member churches in jurisdictions where legislatures already have approved gay marriage laws, such as the District.

Full Story from AmericaBlog

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Tags: marriage equality, methodist church, washington dc

Featured Gay Friendly Wedding Vendor: Beacon Hotel, Washington, DC

Monday, May 30th, 2011

Periodically we’ll feature one of our vendors here to let our readers know about some great people who can help you plan the perfect wedding.

Gay Friendly Washington DC Wedding Vendors

The Beacon Hotel offers distinctive banquet facilities with contemporary and elegant flair that include three ballrooms and an outdoor terrace will allow for creativity and whimsy. Our culinary team will create unique truly memorable menus; our expert catering team will guide and work with you from concept to reality. Our guests will enjoy superb deluxe rooms or suites to suit their every need. Together we will create a celebration that reflects your personality and insure this day is truly unforgettable.

Our History

In the Heart of Dupont Circle, the Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters (originally known as the Governor’s House) has for decades been a choice social center for the Gay Community in Washington. The Beacon has always been a place that welcomes and celebrates diversity, a place where all walks of life co-mingle and where hospitality is absolute. Service is always provided with distinction and style, backed by qualitative amenities and distinct accommodations.

Our services

The Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters features distinctive banquet facilities with contemporary and elegant flair for events from ten to two hundred and fifty people. Three function ballrooms, a roof-top penthouse and private patios will allow for events ranging from elegant and or whimsical Unions to celebratory receptions, or even product launches. Most function rooms have exterior views and natural light.

The Beacon Hotel has been the host of many social events ranging from holiday parties to the launching of website celebrations in its private dining rooms and the famous Beacon Bar & Grill.

See the Beacon Hotel Expanded Listing on Purple Unions Here

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Tags: beacon hotel, gay weddings, washington dc

Featured Gay Friendly Wedding Vendor: St. Gregory Hotel, Washington, DC

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Periodically we’ll feature one of our vendors here to let our readers know about some great people who can help you plan the perfect wedding.

Gay Friendly DC Wedding Vendors

The St. Gregory Hotel & Suites features banquet facilities with contemporary and elegant flair for events ranging 20 to 120 guests. High ceilings and panoramic windows provide an aura of sheer elegance. Intimate gatherings can avail of our 21 M Lounge and patio a casual yet sophisticated alternative.

Host to world renowned performers, artists, diplomats and heads of state, the St. Gregory’s cosmopolitan ambience is supported by exceptional service standards, amenities and gracious welcoming hospitality.

See the St. Gregory Hotel Expanded Listing on Purple Unions Here

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Tags: gay weddings, st. gregory hotel, washington dc

DC: White House Pastry Chef Marries Partner

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

White House executive pastry chef Bill Yosses, who was first hired for the job by Laura Bush in 2007 and whose confectionary duties have been somewhat curtailed in the current administration, married his partner in Washington, D.C., last week.

Yosses, 57, married Charlie Fabella Jr. at the Moultrie Courthouse Tuesday, with the announcement gracing the New York Times Sunday Weddings/Celebrations section.

Full Story from The Advocate

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Tags: pastry chef, washington dc, wedding, white house

Featured Gay Friendly Wedding Vendor: Eikon Photography, Washington, DC

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Periodically we’ll feature one of our vendors here to let our readers know about some great people who can help you plan the perfect wedding.

Gay Friendly Washington DC Wedding Vendors

We avoid complicated wedding photography packages. Our wedding photography rates are modular, allowing for maximum flexibility in working with you wedding photography budget.

To help you along download our free wedding photography kit. Included is a wedding photography checklist pdf with a wedding photography shot list pdf. If you need wedding photography tips this planning kit can really help.

Looking for gay wedding photos? If you are having a gay wedding dc, we’re currently booking many gay weddings. If you need information on gay wedding venues dc, or to find a gay wedding officiant, we have a gay wedding planning checklist to help facilitate your gay weddings washington dc.

See the Eikon Photography Expanded Listing on Purple Unions Here

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Tags: eikon photography, gay weddings, washington dc