In 1982, the Constitution of the State of New Columbia was ratified, and, in 1987, it was enacted into law. Later, in 2016, related to a District-wide statehood referendum, a new "Constitution for the State of New Columbia" was released. While approving the referendum, the D.C. Council changed the proposed name from New Columbia to Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, in honor of writer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. However, because Washington, D.C., has not yet been granted statehood, this Constitution is not yet in effect.