The repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act passed the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today.
However, the act’s future in the Senate is unknown. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (pictured), D-Calif., introduced the bill—which has 30 coponsors—in March. A House version isn’t expected on the floor anytime soon. Republicans have been vigorously defending DOMA since the Obama administration announced in February that it would no longer do so.
DOMA became law in 1996. The act forbids federal recognition of same-sex marriage.
The vote was 10-8. All committee Democrats favored the appeal and all Republicans opposed it.
Without DOMA’s repeal, gay couples continue to be denied federal government benefits and treated essentially like strangers.
Photo/Courtesy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein
