Two anti-marriage bills introduced in Congress yesterday
May 22, 2009
Two bills aimed at thwarting marriage rights for same-sex couples were introduced in the U.S. House yesterday. The first, H.R.2608 is a bill to "define marriage for all legal purposes in the District of Columbia to consist of the union of one man and one woman." It was introduced by Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio with 33 co-sponsors. The second, H.J.Res.54 [pdf link] is a resolution that formally "disapproves" of the elected DC council and Mayor's decision to recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions. Introduced by Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia, the resolution is the first step if Congress tries to use its formal role in overruling the District's local affairs. However even if this bill does not progress, marriage equality opponents may use the DC appropriations process to harm families headed by same-sex couples.
