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In a hearing today on "Greater Autonomy for the Nation's Capital," in November 2009, Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty stated he does not believe citizens in his city should have the right to vote on marriage. Asked if he would be in favor of a vote on a referendum against same-sex "marriage" in the District of Columbia, he responded, "The short answer is 'no.'"

Most states in the U.S. have held referenda on marriage, voted on by the citizens.

The question was posed by Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah,) who reminded Mayor Fenty that 31 states have already allowed citizens to vote on the definition of marriage. In every case, traditional marriage was preserved.

Mayor Fenty went on to say that the D.C. Council was capable of making a decision regarding same- sex "marriage" since the council was elected by the citizens of the District of Columbia. D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray, also on the panel of witnesses, echoed that sentiment.

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America, said, "The D.C. Council reeks of rank hypocrisy. For years they have demanded that D.C. citizens should have the right to vote for congressional representation, which is in direct contradiction to the Constitution. Yet now they are denying D.C. citizens the right to vote on marriage, an institution so fundamental to America's well-being that territories were not allowed to become states unless they kept marriage between one man and one woman. D.C. officials are proving, once again, why they need congressional oversight. They need to be reminded that citizens are not serfs."

In Australia

The Victorian ALP has increased pressure on the Federal Government to allow same-sex marriages after passing a motion supporting gay unions at its state conference. A meeting of the party faithful in Melbourne today called for the Federal Government to change theMarriage Act to allow gay couples to marry. A similar motion was passed at Tasmania’s state Labor conference in July. The Victorian state conference also called on the Commonwealth Attorney-General to refrain from interfering with the ACT Government’s steps towards relationship equality.

Babette Francis