Comments on: House Approves Amendment Barring Justice Dept From Opposing DOMA

By: Mark F.

Mark F. — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:48:11 +0000

A chamber majority would not be enough in the Senate because 40 Senators could block repeal. Of course, you have to figure there will always be a few anti-gay Democrats, but also an increasing number of pro-gay Republicans.

By: Timothy Kincaid

Timothy Kincaid — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:33 +0000

By every poll out there, we’re at 48+% popular support for legalizing marriage today.

By: cd

cd — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:15:56 +0000

Does this vote mean the Democrats would have the votes to repeal DOMA if they had a majority again? (Of course, they didn’t bother to even try in 2008-2009)

Likely yes. But the earliest Democrats are likely to hold all three offices and chamber majorities is 2017. At which point national polling, on trend, should see 48+% popular support for positive legalization of gay marriage.

By: Mark F.

Mark F. — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:09:51 +0000

Does this vote mean the Democrats would have the votes to repeal DOMA if they had a majority again? (Of course, they didn’t bother to even try in 2008-2009)

By: Jim Burroway

Jim Burroway — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:27:46 +0000

Actually, saying “We’re not going to defend that” does cost money when you say it like this:

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/04/04/43363

The DoJ is not excatly standing aside with their hands folded.

By: Dave H

Dave H — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:58:03 +0000

I think this is just political posturing; this amendment has no real teeth. “Specifically, the amendment prohibits the Justice Department from spending any money to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act.” That doesn’t say they must defend it. Saying “We’re not going to defend that” doesn’t cost any money at all.