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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-43
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 30, 2013
To posthumously honor the life of Michael J. Kelly and his long-time marriage under common law to James D. Spellman, and to recognize their distinguished and dedicated citizenship in serving their communities in Logan Circle and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
WHEREAS, the late Michael J. Kelly and James D. Spellman, who began their marriage by taking residence together at Logan Circle in 1998, since the first days of their partnership, worked in support of efforts to advance the cause of equal rights for everyone, including marriage equality, through their energetic partnership in the political process in the District of Columbia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (“Washington’s Summer Capital”);
WHEREAS, they focused their philanthropic efforts on building a strong sense of community and creating a civic code of empathetic care through their commitment to strengthening and enhancing the education and direct service programs of Camp Rehoboth, which aims to build a positive environment for Rehoboth Beach in all its diversity, staunch the spread of AIDS and HIV, counsel and build the self-esteem of gay youth, and help older residents to age with dignity;
WHEREAS, their 18-year marriage attests to the values of the District of Columbia in recognizing the humanity of all people, acceptance of marriage equality through gender-neutral common law and, more recently, laws allowing same-sex civil unions; and
WHEREAS, the nation is engaged in a public discussion on the evolving definition of marriage and community, the District of Columbia forges new pathways led by the example of citizens, like the late Mr. Kelly and his surviving spouse Mr. Spellman, who show that through love, commitment, and civic action, we can build a community that honors, celebrates, and benefits from diversity.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNICL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Michael J. Kelly Memorial Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors the late Michael J. Kelly for the example he and his partner James D. Spellman set for a strong same-sex marriage, their abiding commitment to ensuring all citizens have full access to the protections and rights enshrined in the Constitution, and for their joint efforts to build a strong, positive, and diverse community.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
