Democracy in the District: Foie Gras and Initiative 86’s Path to Law

Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 6:00pm EST

Faculty Conference Center, 5th Floor | The George Washington University Law School, Washington, DC

716 20th Street NorthwestWashington, DC 20052

Free

Event Description

Co-sponsored by GW's Animal Law Program and Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Animal Law Committee of the DC Bar’s EENR Community

On November 3, 2026, DC voters will decide Initiative 86: Prohibiting Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026, which, if approved, would prohibit the sale of foie gras in D.C. that is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese.

Join us for a panel discussion exploring the initiative and the legal landscape surrounding it. Panelists will discuss:

- The goals and effects of Initiative 86: What the measure would prohibit, the animal welfare concerns behind it, and arguments for and against it. - The mechanics of ballot initiatives in DC: From petitioning and signature verification to certification and the vote itself. - Home Rule and federal oversight: How DC's unique governmental structure under the Home Rule Act shapes local lawmaking, and how District laws interact with federal law and congressional review.

Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

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