Norton to Speak at D.C. Bill Signings in Memory of Murdered Transgender D.C. Resident

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today will deliver remarks at the D.C. Council bill signings for the JaParker Deoni Jones Birth Certificate Equality Amendment Act and the Marriage Officiant Amendment Act, in honor of JaParker Deoni Jones, a D.C. resident who was murdered earlier this year because she was transgender. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. in room 509 of the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW).

"I was honored to be invited to speak by Alvin Bethea, the father of JaParker Deoni Jones, who has lost so much but continues to fight for equal treatment of transgender individuals here in the District," said Norton. "We live in a city that respects all people, and I applaud the Council for demonstrating our principles by passing these bills to not only honor Jones and her family, but also to help our city strive towards equality."

Norton, a strong advocate for LGBT rights, officiated a same-sex wedding at the foot of the Capitol, in June. To kick off Memorial Day weekend, she delivered remarks at the annual DC Black Pride celebration to LGBT people from around the country and the world. In March, she spoke at a rally at the Supreme Court promenade in defense of marriage equality.

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