Progressives in the House of Representatives are reportedly preparing to introduce a repeal to the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that prevents the federal government from recognizing gay and lesbian marriages and allows states to refuse to recognize such unions.
Glenn Rush at Politico: "Liberals...led by Jerry Nadler, who represents Manhattan's West side and chairs the Judiciary Committee's Constitution subcommittee, are working on a repeal bill that could be at the 'Dear Colleague' stage within weeks. It's likely to garner dozens of co-sponsors. But it's not clear if the move, which comes at a time when leadership's plate in cracking under the weight of other blockbuster issues, has the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has said she supports rolling back the controversial law."
House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, seen above with Nadler, said earlier this summer that he had the votes to pass a DOMA repeal from his committee. President Barack Obama campaigned on repealing DOMA, however, the Department of Justice has issued two briefs defending the law over the summer.
Senate Democrats are not likely to push for a DOMA repeal before the 2012 elections. Three DOMA challenges remain active in federal court.
Comments