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Gay Marriage Supporters Move to Repeal Federal Law

September 14, 2009

Washington – Despite having little chance of a vote this year, supporters of gay marriage move to repeal a law that denies same-sex couples from getting certain federal benefits.

The repeal legislation has at least 76 House sponsors but even lead sponsor Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York acknowledges that repealing the Defense of Marriage Act is not a priority anytime soon.

The 1996 law prohibits recognition of same-sex unions that includes denial of Social survivor payments and other federal benefits to couples.

Even same-sex couples in states that have legalized their marriage are not exempt from the law.

Ilan Kayatsky, spokesman for Nadler, said the main objective of introducing the repeal was to “gain support and momentum, and educate people.”

Nadler is a chair or a Judiciary subcommittee that would consider the repeal.

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass, has not signed as a co-sponsor of the Nadler’s bill.

Frank, an influential and openly gay lawmaker, said that he favors repeal but believes the bill would have a very small chance of passage because it will grant same-sex couples to take their benefits across state lines.

Joe Solmonese, president of the gay advocacy group The Human Rights Campaign, said Frank’s disagreement was about tactics, and not about the repeal.

He added “We're making a case for an ambitious bill, and I don't have any illusions that it will be easy or happen overnight."

The Senate saw no movement either. It is unlikely that it will get 60 votes to break a filibuster.

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