It comes as no surprise to many that the deeply divided US are again fighting on the issue of gay marriage. The US House is to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans federal recognition of gay marriage. Earlier today, a five member panel appointed by House Speaker John Boehner voted 3-2 on party lines to defend the law. Despite Obama saying the American government would no longer mount legal cases supporting the act. It should be remembered that the House chamber is actually Republican/Tea party controlled, whose vast majority of members are vehemently against gay equality-controlled.
The Obama administration is taking the stand to no longer defend DOMA in court on the grounds that it violates equal rights. Something agreed upon by leading legal advises all over the free world. Yet Boehner said earlier this week: “The constitutionality of this law should be determined by the courts — not by the president unilaterally.
”This action by the House will ensure the matter is addressed in a manner consistent with our Constitution.”
Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: “Apparently, the Republicans’ jobs plan is a full employment project for right-wing lawyers bent on defending discrimination.
“With today’s vote, Speaker Boehner has made clear that an anti-equality agenda trumps helping American families in tough economic times, including loving and committed couples who are legally married in their states.”
The decision by the president not to defend DOMA is as a result of two cases brought against the US government.
They were filed in Connecticut and New York by gay rights groups argued that the law was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs were five married same-sex couples and a widower who were all denied federal rights and protections because they are married to a person of the same sex.
Its also worth noting that one of the key financial backers securing support to keep DOMA is internet giant Google.
No comments:
Post a Comment