(HuffPo) Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand - The Next Step Toward Equality: Repealing DOMA

[racaulk]

The Next Step Toward Equality: Repealing DOMA

The past year truly has been a landmark year in the fight for equality for LGBT Americans. Not only did Congress finally repeal the corrosive and immoral "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, but we won some important battles in the fight to allow every loving couple the opportunity to marry.

First, New Hampshire and Washington, DC began issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples; then a federal court found provisions of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (or DOMA) unconstitutional; and now, just last week, President Obama and the Justice Department announced that they would no longer defend Section 3 of DOMA in court.

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We must repeal this discriminatory law. There is no reason same-sex couples should be denied the same rights that my husband and I and so many other straight Americans enjoy. For me it comes down to the very simple principles that every American should be able to marry the person they love, and that discrimination against LGBT Americans is unconstitutional and wrong.

The law as it currently stands denies federal benefits to thousands of legally married couples -- more than 1,100 federal rights and privileges enjoyed by straight couples, including hospital visitation, inheritance and some health care benefits. It discourages states from recognizing these legal marriages and it denies millions more Americans the right to marry the person they love.

This is wrong.

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Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-kirsten-gillibrand/the-next-step-toward-equa_b_829802.html
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Sen. Gillibrand has launched repealdoma.com, where citizens can sign a petition lending their support to the repeal of this discriminatory and unnecessary law. Please take a moment to sign this petition and spread the word to other like-minded progressives so they can do so as well.

:hi:




H/T: Joe.My.God.

[soleft]

1. I really really

Really really like her.

[racaulk]

2. So do I!

Gillibrand has really proven herself as a true progressive since moving over to the Senate. And as far as gay rights goes, she has shown that she really, really gets why our issues are important. She isn't just willing to give lip service to those issues, she is willing to use her voice and her influence to fight for them. She gets much love and respect from me!

:hi:

[justiceischeap]

3. K&R

[racaulk]

4. Kick

Because this is too important to drop to page 2.

[TriMera]

5. k & r

[closeupready]

6. Go, Kirsten!

K&R