Washington D.C.— Representative Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, two of three openly gay or lesbian Members of Congress, issued statements Tuesday afternoon condemning the Obama administration’s defense of the federal law banning same-sex marriage.
Polis, an openly gay Boulder, Colorado Democrat said his “sadness turned to outrage” when he read a controversial Department of Justice brief filed in federal court to dismiss a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act.
Polis, who is a co-chair of the congressional GLBT Equality Caucus, called the federal briefs comparison of his “loving relationship” with his partner to incest “unconscionable coming from a president who has called for change.” Polis said that he has called on Obama to come clean or “risk losing the support of the GLBT community forever,” but notes he doesn’t “believe we are at that point yet.”
Here’s the full statement from Polis:
"I was shocked and disappointed to learn that President Obama chose to defend DOMA in federal court, especially given his campaign promise to call for a full repeal of DOMA. My sadness turned to outrage when I read the Justice Department’s brief that not only defended this hurtful law but seemed to embrace it. Comparing my loving relationship with my partner, Marlon, to incest was unconscionable coming from a president who has called for change.
Since this filing, I have called on the President to issue a statement or give any sign that would clarify his position and am disappointed in his lack of reply.
I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the GLBT community, and I believe we must hold our leaders accountable. The Obama Administration made a HUGE mistake in the DOMA brief. If they keep making mistakes like this, they risk losing the support of the GLBT community forever, although I do not believe we are at that point yet.
President Obama needs to honor his promise to repeal this law and end its needlessly divisive and harmful impact on our nation. I again call on him to work with us in Congress to help pass legislation, ending this hateful and divisive law.
As the New York Times editorialized yesterday, busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for making one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights."
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin made the following statement today during the course of longer remarks at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in observation and celebration of GLBT Pride Month.
"Last week the Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of DOMA. I was profoundly disappointed by this action, particularly coming from this administration. I still take President Obama at his word that he is committed to the repeal of DOMA. I also recognize that he cannot do it alone. Congress has the responsibility on its shoulders to pass legislation that would give the opportunity to the President to keep his word and ensure that all married people, including those in same-sex marriages, enjoy the same rights under federal law."
—Tim Moran