Oregon Congressional Candidate Supports DOMA Repeal
DOMA – the Defense of Marriage Act – is one of the most insulting pieces of legislation in modern American politics. It specifically states that same-sex marriages or partnerships will NOT receive any federal rights of marriage and it relieves states from having to honor same-sex marriages from other states. Earlier this year, Representatives in Congress introduced the Respect For Marriage Act, which would essentially repeal DOMA.
It is perhaps the biggest prize right now in our struggle for equal rights. Repealing DOMA opens the door for federal rights and recognition of marriages nationwide without requiring states to approve same-sex marriages.
Representative Earl Blumenauer has signed on as a co-sponsor of the repeal and Senator Jeff Merkley has already agreed to vote yes if the measure comes to the Senate, as reported here at FabulousPDX.
David Robinson has officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Oregon’s Congressional District #1 (West side of Portland.) He is running against incumbent David Wu. The earliest Robinson could assume office, if elected, is late 2010. However, with Congress currently embroiled in a health care debate, it could be that long before the DOMA Repeal comes to discussion and a vote. Here is Robinson’s statement (from his Facebook Discussion page) about repealing DOMA:
I fully support the repeal of DOMA and would vote for a bill that does such. DOMA clearly was not compliant with the equal protection clause and the courts should have struck it down. Since it looks like the judiciary will not remedy, a legislative remedy should be enacted.
David Robinson’s Facebook Page
Tags: marriage equality, politics
