I was in DC this past week and spoke to a top staffer of Barney Frank. It was the day before the ENDA hearing. He told me the Congressman does not want to support the repeal until the passage of ENDA and Hate Crimes because, I was told, it is too much for the opponents to grasp. That if ENDA and HATE passes, repeal of DOMA would be easier from a strategy perspective.
I just dont get it. It made no sense to me. The Frank office is very prickly when quized on this. I wonder if there is ego in the mix. ENDA is Barney’s baby after all. I am less concerned about his power because he has one mere vote. and it is hard to imagine that he would actually argue against it or try and influence others not to vote for it. I believe he wants the result it will bring but simply does not believe this is the best way to go. Since when were we afraid of losing?
I spoke to a good few members of congress directly, all of whom who support the repeal legislation as introduced by Rep. Nadler of New York; and they are going for it without regard for Barney’s strategy. Remember President Obama is on Board too.
The other concern for the Frank Team is the transportability clause. They think it is definately too much of a pill for the moderates to swollow – yet look at the case in TEXAS today where a judge agreed to hear a divorce of gay marriage, despite the fact that Texas constitution outlaws gay marriage. This speaks to why transportability is necessary – because of the great anomaly evidenced through the ability of States to authorize or outlaw marriage in relation to where we stand at any given time with federal legislation and benefits. I am posting my analysis of the 
Texas case on www.lezgetreal.com tonight. Just aiting for Publisher to do her part. If it does not g up tomorrow, I will place it on this BLOG.
Don’t mess with my marriage please Barney…
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PoochParkWear customizes hoodies and t-shirts, the good, the naughty, the in between, whether proud or quirky let them be seen. We also offer biker jackets, croc or pleather collars, a variety of collar charms, and our special Zinja beaded collars made by a co-op of HIV-positive South African women, the Sisonke women who weave the beads onto the collars.
Come on, which is more important, having a job, or having a marriage? Which affects more queers? I think Barney’s priorities on ENDA are correct.
Perhaps I am too much of an idealist but I believe that once our marriages are legally sealed in the nevelope of equality, then all else will be easy to legislate. The reason is that our ability to marry- validates our relationships which in essence validates us and our inherent rights. Hence enda – hate etc is a given! The recognition of our relationships are our essence whether single or coupled, because the mere ability to legally have one, endorses our sexuality as acceptable.
Thanks for visiting much appreciated.