[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3285-3286]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE RELIGIOUS 
            FREEDOM AND CIVIL RIGHTS EQUALITY AMENDMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2011

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in commemorating the one-year anniversary of the passage of the 
District of Columbia Religious Freedom and Civil Rights Equality 
Amendment Act or 2009 (L18-0110).
  One year ago, the District, led by the law's authors, D.C. Council 
member David Catania and then D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray, now 
the mayor of the District of Columbia, joined five states in affording 
full marriage equality to our residents. Our landmark marriage equality 
legislation is not the first time the District has led the country in 
enacting human rights legislation. The District's unique history makes 
our residents particularly sensitive to human rights, not only for 
themselves but for others, as well. Even though some of our residents 
do no favor same-sex marriage,

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there is among them a deep tradition of tolerance and respect for the 
rights of others that could serve as a model for other Americans.
  It has been refreshing and heartwarming to see the happiness of our 
new same-sex marriages. Many have had wedding celebrations that have, 
in turn, brought great happiness to their families and friends. At the 
same time, the city's new law has benefited our local economy.
  We celebrate the first year of the District of Columbia Religious 
Freedom and Civil Rights Equality Amendment Act for the many benefits 
it has brought to our city and our residents. I ask the House to join 
me in commemorating the one-year anniversary of the passage of the 
Religious Freedom and Civil Rights Equality Amendment Act.

                          ____________________