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Rep. John L. Lewis, D-GA (photo: Philocrites)
“The stories of people in long-term relationships who are denied the right to act on their partners’ final requests are heartbreaking,” Lewis said in a press statement today. “If a state provides the right for gay and lesbian citizens to marry, the federal government should not bar their ability to receive any of the rights and privileges given to any other married citizen.
“To do so seems discriminatory on its face. We must get to the place in our society where we see beyond our own biases and accept each other as one human family,” Lewis said.
Lewis and his fellow briefers made clear they will file in any court Boehner intervenes in to defend DOMA in order to correct any misapprehension that the Speaker speaks for the entire House in this case:
Some 110 members of Congress have submitted an amicus brief “to indicate that the Boehner suit does not represent the views of the entire House, and that the legislative body is in fact split on this issue,” the press release from Lewis states.
13 Comments
This is what Fierce Advocacy looks like.
Where were they the first two years of Obama’s administration when he was defending DOMA?
Thanks for bringing this, Teddy. Sometimes it seems like we are all lost in the wilderness. So glad to see John Lewis and the others step up. Keep us in the loop.
I’m old enough to remember when the Republicans were the party of states’ rights. Of course, back then it only applied to lynching negroes.
So my only question is why now does he need the votes? John did do the past but what happened to the dream?
Teddy I get that this is important. however it is a smokescreen, like a lot of issues such as abortion etc, used by both dems and repubs as a way to pretend they are different and keep the public divided. That way they in power win
Not saying this is not important just saying it used to keep the people divided and pretend we have two parties
Until not very long ago, neither party supported marriage equality, so I’m afraid your specific argument fails on the merits. Sure, the GOP is “anti-gay” and the Democratic party is “pro-gay,” but our Democratic president does not favor marriage equality.
So, I’m afraid I have to disagree with you, Ms. On this issue, real people with real issues and real Social Security, VA and Medicare benefits are affected.
Otherwise, yes, there are plenty of social issues invented to provide a false dichotomy between the two parties. Marriage equality on the federal level is, though, in my view not one of them.
um, try again?
You are welcome!
Exactly on point. For two and a half years Obama and Holder defended DOMA in court, and they did it with arguments identical to the ones Boehner’s crew are now using. The first brief filed by the Obama DOJ in defense of DOMA was one of the most inflammatory anti-gay documents I’ve ever read. It dredged up every stock anti-gay slander on record, including the one about how gay relationships are just like incest and bestiality. So I have to echo your question: Where were all these brave “pro-gay” Democrats then?
Great update Teddy P, thanks and right on Rep Lewis and the 100.
Just take it for good news folks for cryin out loud!
It’s a good thing, face value, enuff with the whining shit to delegitimize Rep Lewis n the 100 . . . .
I thought there was no budget for Boehner to attack this in court?
I would be glad to see a Congressional vote on a “Belief in Marriage Act”. That would quickly get rid of the DOMA. And then make all the divorced people pay back the tax credits they enjoyed just for being married for awhile – that’s a true Ponzi scheme. It’s discrimination to refuse to allow consenting adults to marry and enjoy the tax breaks others are allowed.