Today the Justice Department responded to a challenge to the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage. It is a despicable law that Bill Clinton cowardly signed. As the DOJ must do, they defended DOMA, while making clear that the Obama administration finds the law discriminatory and will work with Congress to repeal it.
Obama said throughout the campaign that he would not support same-sex marriage, but would of course advocate gay rights. Whether he personally believes same-sex marriage is wrong or that supporting it would be political suicide is anyones guess.
I’m already not a fan of Obama’s politics on homosexuality because of this half-assed approach toward gay rights, but this recent statement on DOMA is pushing me further. The Commander-in-Chief has the ability to end the military’s ridiculous policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell” right now but he has yet to act. Meanwhile the military is losing quality personnel in important positions because they are tired of having to hide their identity. You can only have so many summits to reassure the gay community and ask for more time before they turn on you.
Kudos for the statement on DOMA Mr. President but you can do something for gay rights today yet you do nothing. Maybe by the end of the year at least?
I think that you and many other liberals are being to hard on Obama when it comes to gay rights. Gay rights are important but it is not the most important thing Obama has to deal with. Not even close, in fact. Obama has more important things to deal with, things that fundamentally effect everyones life, not just a minority. If he does too much for gays too quick there will be a backlash and the more important things he is working on will suffer in consequence. At the same time liberals do not seem to understand that Obama has done pretty much everything he can do administratively without Congress. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is not an executive/administrative rule it is the law of the land, past by Congress. Whether it is DOMA or “don’t ask, don’t tell” do you really want Obama to add another devisive issue to Congress’ schedule while we are trying to pass health care reform? That would be a complete and utter disaster.