Congressional Leaders Mull Partial DOMA Repeal

Topix Gay News  Apr 15 09

Discussions around repealing a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act that prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages have heated up in the wake of recent legal challenges filed and the addition of two new states legalizing same-sex marriage.

Legislative aides familiar with the discussions say a handful of congressional leaders have been hashing out the details of the legislation, which would accomplish two goals: repeal section 3 of DOMA as it relates to the federal government's ability to confer some 1,100 federal benefits on same-sex partners; and provide a way for same-sex couples living in states that do not allow them to marry legally to access the same federal benefits afforded to heterosexual spouses. Full story...

Bookmark and Share

Have your say - be the first to comment

Please login to post a comment


Login


More stories from topix gay news »

Gay marriage : A protection for heterosexuals, these exes say

Topix Gay News  6 hours ago

One often hears the argument from those against gay marriage that "Gays are not denied the right to marry: they can legally marry a person of the opposite gender.

Thinking Of The Children

Topix Gay News  6 hours ago

A reader writes:

I think there is something missing in this discussion that is often overlooked.

My Prayer

Topix Gay News  6 hours ago

At times I find myself telling anti-gay activists that I will pray for them. And I'm sure that they assume that if I really do pray for them that my prayers are a mirror image of those above.

Pastors defend their 'right' to incite hate crimes against homosexuals

Topix Gay News  6 hours ago

File this under "makes me embarrassed to be human":

On November 16th, pastors and other clergymen will be congregating at our nation's capitol to publicly defame homosexuals, in order to "challenge" the Matthew Shepard Act , a congressional act which protects citizens against hate crimes committed because of the victim's perceived sexuality.

Don't remember the Maine vote, just keep eyes on gay prize

Topix Gay News  6 hours ago

Perhaps the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell picked up his unflinching boldness in his pursuit of justice from all those years he spent on the civil rights trail with the man he calls Martin King.

'South Park'-GLAAD Debate Rings Familiar

Topix Gay News  8 hours ago

After the first ArtsBeat post on the South Park controversy appeared today, a commenter using the identifier "RW," wrote , "Didn't 'queer' used to be a derogatory name for homosexuals - " and yet today many gay groups embrace the term.

Boyzone honoured by gay group

Topix Gay News  10 hours ago

Irish pop group BOYZONE have been honoured by gay rights campaigners in London - with officials preparing a special tribute for late member STEPHEN GATELY.

The Fall of Carrie"Opposite Sex Marriage" Prejean (video)

Topix Gay News  19 hours ago

There are dozens of statements about how one should not disparage another, especially when you, yourself, have dirty little secrets.

Portman lesbian scene 'extreme'

Topix Gay News  21 hours ago

EXTREME SCENE: Natalie Portman - who has previously admitted she would consider embarking on a same-sex romance - insists there is nothing sexually compelling about the romp with Mila Kunis in new movie 'Black Swan'.

Colorado: Focus donates $115,266 to Maine gay marriage fight

Topix Gay News  less than a day ago

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - Conservative Christian group Focus on the Family donated just over $115,000 to the fight against gay marriage in Maine.