God's law, the 19th Amendment, and marriage equality

A few minutes ago, at the hearing on Bill 18-482 (which I am watching on the D.C. Council cable channel), public witness Evanna Powell stated that the bill is unconstitutional, because the 19th Amendment is the only constitutional provision specifying a right based upon sex (the right to vote). She went on to say that the bill conflicts with federal law (the Defense of Marriage Act); it conflicts with common law, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman; and it conflicts with God's law, for which she cited various passages in Genesis.

Councilmember Phil Mendelson, chairing the hearing, pointed out that many clergy had testified in support of the bill, and that Ms. Powell's invocation of God's law would put the Council in the position of favoring one religious view over others. She of course did not get it, and simply said that she didn't know what version of the Bible "those ministers" use, but hers talks about marriage as between one man and one woman. Time and again, those expressing faith-based opposition to this bill have shown a failure to understand the constitutional separation between church and state.

By a pleasant coincidence, Powell was followed by black lesbian Sharon Moore, who said, "I seek only the full rights, duties and privileges due to a full citizen under the law."

As to Ms. Powell's innovative argument involving the 19th Amendment, I note that the Constitution makes no mention whatsoever of God. Of course, she thinks that what she calls God's law trumps the Constitution. Good luck with that, ma'am.

Just now, Jill McCrory of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists began her testimony by saying, "My name is Jill McCrory and I am one of 'those ministers' in support of this bill." Yes!

BTW, a short while before Ms. Powell's testimony, a male couple became engaged during their testimony. What a lovely and moving moment.