Bush-Appointed Judge Strikes Down Key DOMA Provision

Jeffrey S. White, a federal judge appointed by George Bush, yesterday "declared the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and ordered the federal government to ignore the statute and provide health benefits to the wife of a lesbian federal court employee." 

The NYT says:

'Judge White ruled that the act did not provide “a justification that is substantially related to an important governmental objective” which would be necessary for a law that is aimed at one specific group of people, in this case gay men and lesbians.

“The imposition of subjective moral beliefs of a majority upon a minority cannot provide a justification for the legislation,” he said in his 43-page ruling.'

In marriage news:

Today, Maryland's senate votes on the gay marriage bill that the house passed last week. Governor Martin O'Malley, who previously supported only civil unions, actually said the three words unknown in political circles -- "I was wrong" -- and has promised to sign the bill.

Early last week, Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed their gay marriage bill into law. Immediately, equality foes said they would file court cases to stop the law from taking effect June 7. They are gathering signatures to kill the law in a statewide referendum, a strategy that was horribly successful in California and Maine.

Late last week, New Jersey's legislature finally passed their gay marriage bill only to be vetoed by Governor Chris Christie who wants to put civil rights to a vote. Instead, the repugnant Christie deserves to face a recall election. Compounding the insult, he actually makes a semi-valid point that he has been consistent on the issue while Obama, who was for gay marriage before he was against it, straddles the unicorn fence:

"The President is silent on this like he’s silent on every issue that’s difficult for him. [...] Let’s have the President of the United States show some courage, come on this program, look into the camera like I’m looking into the camera, and state his position. He won’t because he wants to have it both ways. I’m not looking to have it both ways, I vetoed the bill. That’s my position."

Sad when the president's cunning timidity allows the true bigot to create the false illusion of having the moral upper hand.

Comments

[D]

Nice reporting and great points.