House and Senate Dems to introduce ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ repealing DOMA (This Wednesday)

[kpete]

Source: Raw Story

House and Senate Dems to introduce ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ repealing DOMA

By Sahil Kapur
Monday, March 14th, 2011 -- 3:57 pm


WASHINGTON – A coalition of House and Senate Democrats will soon introduce legislation designed to roll back the "Defense of Marriage Act" that outlaws same sex marriage. Though unlikely to pass the GOP-controlled House, the measure would highlight the political distance between Democrats and Republicans on this divisive issue.

The "Respect for Marriage Act" will be introduced in the House Wednesday by Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI) and Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Barney Frank (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI) and 105 co-sponsors.

The "key civil rights legislation," as the Democrats called it in an advisory, would "repeal DOMA in its entirety." Fretting that the 1996 law "singles out legally married gay and lesbian couples for discriminatory treatment under federal law," they plan to announce its introduction Wednesday at a press conference, alongside LGBT-rights advocates and two of the lead plaintiffs in challenges to the law.

A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the upper chamber by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).


Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/14/house-and-senate-dems-to-introduce-respect-for-marriage-act-repealing-doma/

[RKP5637]

1. Recommend!!! n/t

[Drale]

2. They need to keep introducing bills like this and

other progressive legislation in the house and make sure it is publicized well. Make sure people know that Republicans are going to continue ot vote against America.

[msongs]

3. let's have a defense against republicans act and DC dems who can show leadership :-) nt

[No Elephants]

4. NOW. they introduce this?

Where was it January 2007 to January 2011?

Even Joe Lieberman would have voted for it.

Hell, even Scott Brown might have had to unless he was willing to blow his cover as a "moderate" in the blue state where the first same gender marriage recognized by government in America occurred.

[karynnj]

10. I don't think we would have come close to all teh Democrats

Joe Leiberman would not have been the problem on this, but do you honestly think that any Democrat up for re-election in a state like Arkansas would have voted for this?

I am glad it is being introduced, but think it really has no chance of getting past a filibuster.

[No Elephants]

11. It had a hell of a better chance than it has now. And, there was the lame duck session, when

Lincoln no longer had to worry about her precious re-election.

Filibuster? It can't even pass the House now.

Introducing it when it has no chance of passing either House seems cynical and an insult to intelligence.

[karynnj]

12. tatally agree

You are 100% correct on the House - in fact, the ONLY reason it might get a vote is to put some Democrats in an awkward position - as they could be hurt either way and few republicans can be hurt on this. (Including Brown - as they could allow him to vote for it - knowing it fails)

I agree on Lincoln, but have no idea what her private view is on this - and there are plenty of others in the same shape including Pryor.

From reading and accepting your arguments, I have changed my opinion and think that this legislation is grandstanding at this point in time. It can't pass. It could put some Democrats in awkward spots - worth it, only if it had a chance. In addition, it sucks energy from what Democrats SHOULD be doing now.

It is clear from polling that POPULAR programs are among those being cut. Why are the Congressmen and Senators not ALL out in their states - with the people who will be devastated by these cuts. I know mine were not out in the last weeks on this.

To see what I mean - see the Boston Herald, where they have a video and other MA media of a Kerry stop on the Cape at a Head Start/Youth build etc facility that would suffer. (The video is worth watching if only to see a young MA politician, who was fantastic - she previously worked for Kerry.) http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20110314sen_kerry_vows_to_fight_gop_cuts_to_head_start/srvc=home&position=recent

This is a battle where, at minimum, we could may the Republicans pay politically for what they are cutting. What I really would like is for Obama (or if he wouldn't any Democratic who could) to put the just extended tax breaks back on the table. The decision should be (all the losses and pain of the cuts) vs (tax breaks for the wealthy). I don't know why we are accepting the Republican frame that the debt can only be cut by cutting spending.

[No Elephants]

15. You're right. I don't see ending any tax breaks back on the table, though.

I will always believe Timmeh wanted tax breaks for the wealthy extended as much as any of his fellow Republicons did.

[jemelanson]

5. K & R

[JanDutchy]

6. Pelosi: you once freed Dutch Hiv Gay man on USA travel ban: Free USA-man, please!

I will - place the story of the man and the acts of Pelosi - I admire her for her more than support on that case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN56zvQTeWk&feature=player_embedded


Obame lifted the travel ban: I love it and him for that!

He changed policy on DADT.

As EU-man I am proud that you have such president.

But: read/listen carefully:same-sex marriage -isn't thé solution only.


Because your Gay-solidarity and actions are things you are doing. Which I admire and prefer.

But we have lost it ..... in Holland.

For that reason - only - : same-sex marriage isn't a reason to give up solidarity between humans and the way you are doing.
Please remember that.

In Holland we - in my opinion - we lost something, which I still see in your gay-community.
For me: your community is an example and refects me on what we are missing..... Missing after we get same-sex marriage.
Iám single - part of a problem - but in general which I mentioned is a real problem. So help: pleaue

But: there are good things and experiences with same-sex marriage individuel grounds.
lI love it.

Go on: In EU we need your experience on this!

A tension-esson learned .

Love from USA to Holland: , and - I hope - you will learn from our experience.


Please don't give up!


Greeting

Jan

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Snoutport]

8. sweet. this put a smile on my face! kick

[swimboy]

9. For real? Excellent!

Let's be inexorable!
:thumbsup:

[Scurrilous]

13. K & R

:thumbsup:

[jkappy]

14. I mean like does Marriage need more respect??

It has far too much already if you ask me. What an oppressive institution.

But really--what a title. I guess they have to hide what it's all about in order to gather votes.

[No Elephants]

16. Wow. Title of this bill is perfectly descriptive. DOMA was the bs title.

[warrior1]

17. how about

respect for happy single people?

[Solly Mack]

18. K&R