3/26/13: As the Supreme Court hears arguments regarding same-sex marriage this week, we want to highlight bills pending before Congress related to same-sex couples and their families. (See the filings in the cases.)
While many bills related to the Defense of Marriage Act were introduced in prior Congresses, none have yet to be introduced in the 113th Congress, and all eyes are on the Supreme Court. The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman for federal and inter-state recognition. The law passed both houses of Congress by large majorities and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996. Under the law, no U.S. state or political subdivision is required to recognize a same-sex marriage from another state. (Read the law.)
Weigh in on these related bills using POPVOX, and we'll deliver your message to Congress — guaranteed.
- HR 519 The Uniting American Families Act: to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and to permit American citizens to sponsor same-sex “permanent partners” applying for legal residency in the United States.
- S 296 The Uniting American Families Act: to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and to permit American citizens to sponsor same-sex “permanent partners” applying for legal residency in the United States.
- HR 683 The Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act: to add a definition of spouse for purposes of military personnel policies and military and veteran benefits that recognizes new State definitions of spouse.
- S 373 The Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act: to add a definition of spouse for purposes of military personnel policies and military and veteran benefits that recognizes new State definitions of spouse.
- HR 914 The Military Religious Freedom Protection Act: to require that implementation of the repeal of the former Department of Defense policy concerning homosexual behavior in the Armed Forces not infringe upon the free exercise of religion by and the rights of conscience of members of the Armed Forces, including chaplains.
- HCRes 10 House Resolution: supporting the goals and ideals of No Name-Calling Week in bringing attention to name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate name-calling and bullying in their communities.
- HR 725 The Real Education for Healthy Youth Act: To provide for the reduction of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and the promotion of healthy relationships. Prevents Federal funds to be used for health education that are insensitive and unresponsive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth.
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.
