Why DOMA 1996 Must Die For Equality’s Sake
In 1996, the Republican controlled Congress passed a horrible piece of legislation which was anything but “conservative”; President Clinton then made perhaps one of the largest mistakes of his Presidency [I know right] when he signed this horrid legislation into law, which was anything but “liberal” of him – DOMA (1996).
DOMA, or “The Defense of Marriage Act”, is the [federal] law, which allows one state to NOT recognize the marriages (Gay or Straight) performed in other states that are contrary to the [receiving] states’ law. Of course, since “straight” marriage is allowed in all states – DOMA does not stand in the way of EQUAL TREATMENT and EQUAL PROTECTION of their [straight] families, only the families of Gay and Lesbian families.
Because DOMA is still law, it prevents Gay and Lesbian couples who may wed in one of the states (or foreign nations) which allow for Gay Marriage to return to their home state and petition the state government (typically through a law suit) for their marriage to be recognized and afforded EQUAL PROTECTION and EQUAL TREATMENT under the law.
Many scholars argue that DOMA is unconstitutional because it violates the “full faith and credit” clause of the Constitution as well as violating the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection clause.
If we are to make any additional advancements towards our common goal of equality for every American family – the first thing we must do is kill DOMA! We recently received some positive words from Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) who is the Chairperson of the House Judiciary Committee, Chairman Conyers has stated that “the votes are there” to repeal DOMA. Now more than ever, we must TURN UP THE HEAT in Washington to demand that this vile piece of law be put to rest.
Help us turn up the heat by signing the petition (link below) which is instantly forwarded to your three members of Congress (one member of the House and both Senators) as well as President Obama. After you sign the petition you will also receive the names and phone numbers of who your petition signature was sent to – pick up the phone, call them, and reiterate your support to REPEAL DOMA NOW!
Once you sign the petition – join with me in continuing our call for action! Follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/kenniko) and please feel free to e-mail me with any comments or concerns (even words of encouragement) to my personal e-mail ken@kenniko.com.
Together we SHALL OVERCOME!
With humble respect and warm regards,
Ken
http://gayrights.change.org/actions/view/repeal_doma_now
Call on Congress and President Obama to Repeal DOMA 1996
http://gayrights.change.org/actions/view/repeal_doma_now
In 1996 a piece of legislation was passed by the Congress and signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton; DOMA (The Defense of Marriage Act) of 1996.
This law allows states to disregard the marriages (or civil unions) performed in another state.
Congress and President Obama should press forward with the repeal of this law and allow gay citizens who wish to wed to fight for their right to do so in their home state.