Votes Are in Place for DOMA Repeal in Congress Committee

U.S. Rep. John Conyers, a Detroit Democrat and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, informed the Michigan Messenger Saturday that all the votes in his committee are in place to advance a repeal bill of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

This is major progress since his committee would have to approve any such repeal bill first before going to the full Congress for a vote.

But could the bill pass?

“Well in my committee, yes, but in the House and Senate, that’s a different question,” Conyers said.

Asked if he supported marriage equality for the gay community, the congressman replied, “Sure. I always have.”

Conyers was one of only 67 members of the House to vote against DOMA in 1996 with eight committee members opposing, The Hill's reports.

Conyers continues to be an ally, giving voice to the LGBT frustration just last week when he asked, "Why is [Obama] becoming so conservative now that he’s got the job?”

I think we all know what he's referring to. If not, catch up and get angry with us by reading the following Unite the Fight posts:

"Obama's Silence on LGBT Rights Will Leave Him Out of History."
"Obama Remains Missing in Action of LGBT Issues."
"VIDEO: CNN On Obama and LGBT Rights, "Think 10-Foot Pole."
"White House Press Secretary F***s Up on LGBT Issues, A Bad Reflection of Obama."