Update: Visit our National Equality March section for the latest news on what’s going in DC this weekend.

Despite earlier news, permits have been secured for the National March for Equality, also known as “Meet on the Mall for Equality,” to take place on October 10-11, 2009 in Washington, DC. Organized by Cleve Jones, the goal of the event is to “demand EQUAL protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”

A promotional video for the event has been released. Watch:

To find out more about the event please visit the links below:

National March for Equality website
Facebook
Twitter

On a personal note: I’m not sold on the idea… at least not yet. It’s on Columbus Day weekend, so won’t legislators be out of town? The notion of descending on our representatives en mass is very appealing, but if no one is there when we are there… then what’s the point?

Cleve Jones, whom I deeply respect also said “most people on the west coast will be able to come to this march for less than $700.” Cleve, in this economy, plus being unemployed, $700 isn’t cheap, I don’t have the cash just lying around to make the trip. Twice that if my husband comes. On top of that we pissed a lot of money away on Obama and Prop 8 last year. I suspect a lot of folks are in a similar boat.

So I am wondering if our time and money is better spent on a local level, than making a trip to Washington, DC… which may ultimately be ignored by our leaders, and the media.

What do you think?

Two new anti-gay marriage bills surfaced in Congress this week, targeting the recent DC Council vote recognizing same-sex marriages preformed elsewhere.

The first measure, H.R.2608 or the D.C. Defense of Marriage Act will “define marriage for all legal purposes in the District of Columbia to consist of the union of one man and one woman.” Introduced by Rep. Jim Jordan (R) of Ohio and Rep.  Dan Boren (D) of Oklahoma, the bill already has 33 co-sponsors, all Republican except for Mike McIntyre (D) of North Carolina.

Another measure, H.J.Res.54, “disapproves” of the DC Council’s decision to recognize gay marriages. Introduced by Rep. Paul Brown (R) of Georgia, the bill seeks to overrule the actions of the DC Council, which is within the prerogative of Congress which has 30 days to act on the decision.

Considering the strong Democratic majority in Congress, it is unlikely either bill will get out of committee, much less reach the House floor or land on the President’s desk.

Washington DC news anchor Doug McKelway threatened blogger Mike Rogers yesterday during an interview over the outing tactics used in the new documentary Outrage, which exposes the hypocrisy of closeted politicians.

Watch the heated exchange below:

I love it how these types always trot out that they have a friend or family member, or are a fan of someone who is gay. GMAFB!

Outrage opens May 8.

In a final vote by a margin of 12-1, the lone dissenting vote cast by former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, the city council has voted to recognize same-sex marriages preformed in other states.

This was the second vote of the morning. The first vote was a unanimous 13-0 until Barry realized what he had voted for and wanted a do-over.

If Congress fails to overturn the vote within 30 days, council member David Catania will introduce a separate bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the district later this year.

More on the vote at the Washington Post.