Pride is a reminder of hard-fought victories and also a time to rededicate ourselves to defending those gains and continuing to make progress.
In my time on the Council, I've partnered with neighbors to expand protections and support for the LGBTQ+ community, all of which is in jeopardy if this recall is successful.
Legalized surrogacy - DC was the last state with a criminal penalty on the books for using a surrogate to build your family. I passed legislation to legalize surrogacy agreements and protect both parents and surrogates through the process;
Expedited and improved the second-parent adoption process so same-sex couples aren't subject to patronizing home visits and other government interventions;
Banned the use of the gay and trans "panic defense" in court, which is a legal defense arguing that the victim’s traits or characteristics - like their sexual orientation - are to blame for what the defendant did to them;
Gave the DC Attorney General the power to bring civil cases for hate crimes;
Funded grants for LGBTQ residents needing emergency shelter;
Created a workforce development program for transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming District residents;
Funded workplace climate and employee hiring surveys of the DC government to increase LGBTQ representation and retention;
Just this month, I've created a new grant in the city's budget to preserve LGBTQ+ small businesses along Barracks Row; and
Before becoming Councilmember, as President of the Ward 6 Democrats, I was one of only a handful of Ward Democratic presidents to lead their organization through a successful endorsement vote for the District’s 2009 Marriage Equality effort, and I testified before the Council in strong support.
These rights aren’t a given, but as long as I’m on the Council, you can count on me to fight for the LGBTQ+ community. And you don’t have to take my word for it: the Capital Stonewall Democrats just came out in opposition to the recall.
Protect strong leadership on the Council and fight the misleading and misguided recall by donating today.
Paid for by Neighbors United for Ward 6. 331 4th St. SE, Apt. 3, Washington, DC 20003. Patrick Johnson, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.
