Democratic Lawmakers Push DOMA Repeal

Democrats in Congress have renewed their efforts for legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act following the decision by President Barack Obama to stop defending the discriminatory law.

The Huffington Post reports on the plan from Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, to introduce the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal DOMA "very soon," according to the congressman from New York, and with "quite a few cosponsors."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California plans to offer similar legislation in the senate judiciary committee.

"The idea is to take advantage of the headwind created by the Department of Justice's Wednesday announcement and push for a permanent solution over the legality of laws that prohibit gay marriage," reports HuffPo. "Until Congress acts, or the Supreme Court issues a ruling, DOMA -- which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages performed in states -- continues to be enforced."

Despite the momentum, House judiciary chairman Lamar Smith, who wields authority over the committee's agenda, has called the decision not to defend DOMA "irresponsible." On the other hand, the ultimate say rests with House Speaker John Boehner, whose response to the decision criticized President Obama more for politics than substance.