DOMA repeal gets Republican ally and conservative founds group to help gay marriage “victims”
Not all Republicans are anti-gay. U.S. rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (pictured), R-FL, becomes the Respect for Marriage Act’s first GOP sponsor, according to care2.com.
The legislation, if approved, would nullify the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA. DOMA bars federal recognition of same-sex unions.
Ros-Lehtinen’s move follows signing a letter, which requested the U.S. Internal Revenue Service clarify and help same-sex couples understand how tax rules now apply to them.
“I voted against the constitutional amendment defining marriage [in 2006] so I’m pleased to cosponsor the repeal of DOMA and work with my colleagues on marriage equality,” she said, in The Advocate.
Ros-Lehtinen represents Florida’s 18th district, which includes South Beach, most sections of Miami and the Florida Keys.
National Organization for Marriage co-founder Maggie Gallagher is onto a new crusade. Gallagher has launched Marriage Anti-Defamation Alliance, geared toward helping the “victims” of gay marriage, thenewcivilrightsmovement.com reports.
Its mission is simple: “No American should be afraid to exercise core civil rights: to speak, to donate, to organize, to sign petitions, or to vote for marriage as the union of husband and wife.”
Gallagher and NOM allege threats increased against same-sex marriage opponents, since Proposition 8 became law in California.
Photo courtesy of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
