House of Representatives Stepping Up on DOMA

The GOP-controlled House of Representatives is going to do for DOMA what Obama will no longer do. David G. Savage reported in the Los Angeles Times. Speaker John Boehner:

"It is regrettable that the Obama administration has opened this divisive issue at a time when Americans want their leaders to focus on jobs and the challenges facing our economy," Boehner said. "The constitutionality of this law should be determined by the courts - not by the president unilaterally - and this action by the House will ensure the matter is addressed in a manner consistent with our Constitution."

Imagine that. Following procedure.

The Defense of Marriage Act had broad bipartisan support in Congress, and it was signed into law by former President Clinton, Boehner said.

They write "Boehner said" like he made it up or something. That's history, people. Go check it for yourself.

From subsequent coverage by Lisa Mascaro and David G. Savage:

Yet, in deciding to convene a five-member House panel to initiate the defense, Boehner risks alienating voters who are more interested in seeing Congress engage in debate on fiscal issues rather than hot-button social topics.

"Not only are they detracting from their agenda of jobs, jobs, jobs; they are taking a case that has a high propensity of failure," said Fred Sainz, a vice president at the Human Rights Coalition.

Hey Sainz: Feel free to drop your push to neuter marriage then, so everyone can focus on jobs.

"Carrot Cake Man" at 10:50 AM March 5, 2011:

These major denominations have married same gender couples in 6 US States and the District of Columbia:

The Episcopal Church

United Church of Christ

Metropolitan Community Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Unitarian Universalist Church

Reform Judaism

Anyone who opposes Marriage Equality is also trying to deprive these churches of their right to Freedom Of Religion.

Bride+groom marriage licensing IS marriage equality. But those churches are free to continue their ceremonies.

"Frank Scott" at 11:13 AM March 5, 2011:

Republicans are funny. They want less government involvement in our personal affairs, then turn around and want decrees handed down regarding who marries whom. Double standard, can't have it both ways.

I’d wager that Frank Scott wants laws about who marries whom, too. Supporting limited government does not mean 1) anarchy, nor 2) allowing one branch of the federal government to unilaterally decide everything. Marriage licenses are issued on behalf of the people of a state. As long as that is true, there will be legislation pertaining to marriage.