O’Malley signs letter on DOMA
Gov. Martin O’Malley, who has pledged to sponsor a same-sex marriage bill in Annapolis next year, is also pushing Congress to repeal a federal law that denies benefits to same-sex partners.
O’Malley, a Democrat, was one of 15 state and local leaders across the nation to sign a letter to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.
“Tens of thousands of loving and committed gay and lesbian couples have been strengthened because our states recognize their equal right to marry,” the letter read. “These couples work hard, pay taxes and share the same values as other married couples but they are constantly hamstrung in their ability to protect themselves and their families because of the discriminatory” law.
The judiciary committee voted along party lines to approve the repeal, though the legislation faces a difficult path in the Senate where 60 votes are required to overcome filibuster threats. Of the 15 officials who signed the letter, 12 are Democrats, two are independents and one is Republican.
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, prevents same-sex partners from receiving many of the benefits enjoyed by other married couples, including: Social Security survivor benefits, federal employee health benefits and the guarantee of family medical leave.
The Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly failed to pass a same-sex marriage bill this year but O’Malley has vowed to support the measure next year. Six states -- Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont -- and the District of Columbia permit same-sex marriage.
Comments
are there any other dictionary words that o'malley wants to change?
Posted by: verity | November 15, 2011 5:23 PM
Just like his many liberal Democrat lame-duck governors before him and our POTUS, Owe'Malley continues to defy the will of the people becuse he doesn't have to worry about the repercussions of a re-election. Maybe a recall would shake him up.
After the illegal tution debacle gets settled, the next petition should be to boot his soory butt out.
Posted by: What liberal lame ducks do ... | November 16, 2011 8:36 AM
Oh yes, Martin is after all a good Catholic...
Posted by: nofriendofmom | November 16, 2011 2:44 PM
The will of what people?! Most people have no problem with same sex marriage being legalized. And as the daughter of two women in Maryland, I would love for our family to be recognized by the government we must live under. How does MY family affect you?! And before you try and attack the way I was raised, I am a college graduate, military wife and working so by most standards in this country, I am doing better then most people who were raised by heterosexual couples.
Posted by: Krystle | November 16, 2011 3:05 PM