Councilmember Tommy Wells introduced two pieces of legislation today that expand rights and responsibilities for domestic partners, moving the District closer to recognizing domestic partners as the family members they are. Councilmember David A. Catania co-introduced both bills.

The “Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Amendment Act of 2007” adds domestic partners to the definition of “Kinship Caregiver,” giving domestic partners standing as family members in determining where abused or neglected children should be placed when removed from their homes. The legislation also allows for the waiving of immunity from testifying in child neglect cases by a judge, in the same manner that spousal immunity may be waived.

Finally, in cases where an adoption petitioner is the spouse of the natural parent, certain time consuming and expensive procedures - such as home visits - may be by-passed since the child is not moving into a new home, but rather a second parent is being added to the family.

The second bill introduced by Mr. Wells was the “Domestic Partner Claim of Dead Bodies from the Anatomical Board Act of 2007.” This legislation treats domestic partners as a family member to give them standing in the unfortunate event they must claim the remains of their deceased partner.

“I strongly believe that when two people file for domestic partnership in the District – gay or straight – that they are given the same rights and responsibilities, and are treated in the same legal manner, as married couples,” explained Mr. Wells.

Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance President Barrett L. Brick stated, “All children deserve the same legal protections, whether their parents are married or domestic partners. To ensure this, registered domestic partners must have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples, especially as they pertain to children. We applaud Councilmember Wells, a longtime children’s advocate, for moving to add those protections.”

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