Leahy to hold committee vote on DOMA repeal bill

[William769]

The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday announced he’ll hold a panel vote in November on legislation that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chair of the committee, said in a statement he wants to hold a committee vote on the bill, known as the Respect for Marriage Act, to advance equality for gay Americans.

“The march for equality continues, and now is the time to ensure equality for gay and lesbian Americans who are lawfully married,” said Leahy, a co-sponsor of the bill. “Next month, I will call up the Respect for Marriage Act for debate and a vote in the Judiciary Committee. The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents thousands of American families from being protected by laws that help secure other American families. This is part of the nation’s continuing fight for civil rights for all Americans.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is the lead sponsor of the legislation and introduced the bill in March. In July, President Obama endorsed the bill, although he campaigned in 2008 on repeal of DOMA, which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/10/14/leahy-to-hold-committee-vote-on-doma-repeal-bill/