Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Obama: No Defense for DOMA

I was stunned and delighted today to hear that President Obama has directed the Attorney General to no longer defend in court the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA. This hateful act, an act that goes out of its way to marginalize a small sector of our society because of the religious beliefs of some people needs to be placed on the trash heap of history along with Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

It signals a reversal of policy and reflects the fact that society is simply moving on with this previously controversial issue.

Basically, what is behind the decision is the fact that section 3 of DOMA seems to violate the equal protection clause of the 5th Amendment. Section 3 deals with gay couples legally married in states where marriage between gays is sanctioned.

Upon hearing of Obama’s reversal, John Boehner labeled it “bad timing.”

“While Americans want Washington to focus on creating jobs and cutting spending the president will have to explain why he thinks now is the appropriate time to stir up a controversial issue that sharply divides the nation.”
Isn’t that just the most precious thing? All the Republicans have done since taking the House is legislate one divisive social issue after another.

And the timing couldn’t have been better. Two federal cases were all set to go to trial. This directive will save time, trouble, money, and an inevitable over-turning.

Mike Huckabee was even more outraged.
It may destroy him [Obama], may destroy his credibility, may destroy his campaign and candidacy and ultimately his term in office," Huckabee said. "It takes more than one president to destroy marriage.”
Translation: Jesus hates gays, and now He hates Obama, too.

To the extent that He will destroy my president.

Oh lucky day.

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