Gay-rights groups ready backup plan in case marriage law survives

The Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA, has not been re-introduced in either the House or the Senate this Congress. But lobbyists are pushing to revive the bill in hopes of capitalizing on the outpouring of support for same-sex marriage in the Senate.

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“Now that we are past this point, it absolutely makes sense for a re-introduction of the bill,” said Ian Thompson, a legislative representative for the American Civil Liberties Union. “Striking while the iron is hot makes sense because we could get out of the gate with a really good start.”

Lobbyists argue that passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is needed because the Supreme Court might issue a ruling that leaves much of DOMA intact…

Lobbyists said that they have reached out to several of the senators who have come out in favor of same-sex marriage, including Republican Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio), to say thanks. They also plan to ask lawmakers who signed an amicus brief against DOMA to back the repeal bill.

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