MERI APPLAUDS FORMER U.S. REP. BOB BARR

(Cranston, RI) Now that the author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has reversed his opinion, Marriage Equality RI calls for this discriminatory law to be repealed.

The former U.S. Rep from Georgia and 2008 Libertarian party’s nominee for President has come to realize that the intention of his legislation in 1996, which was to meet principles of federalism, never materialized. Federalism calls for federal, state and local governments to interact cooperatively and collectively to solve common problems, rather than creating policies separately or clashing over a policy in a system dominated by the federal government.

In Barr’s LA Times editorial (January 5, 2009), he stated, “In effect, DOMA’s language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don’t want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws… has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state to choose to recognize same-sex unions… It is time to get the federal government out of the marriage business. In law and policy, such decisions should be left to the people themselves.”

Barr also echoes President-elect Obama’s 2006 vote against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment (also referred to as the Marriage Protection Amendment), which defines marriage as union of one man and one woman. Barr further stated, “He (Obama) was right then; and as I have come to realize, he is right now in concluding that DOMA has to go.”

“The federal DOMA has long been an unfair strangler of state’s rights and Marriage Equality RI calls on Congress to repeal this law,” said Susan Heroux, MERI Board Chair. “This law has a direct negative effect on married same-sex couples living and working in RI who are forced to take actions such as filing their taxes under the single category… This law causes a legal nightmare for those of us who are married because our marriages are recognized on the state level but not the federal level. DOMA has always been used to discriminate against gay people and it is time for it to go.”

Recently re-elected Rep. Frank Ferri, the first openly gay, married R.I. state legislator commented, “DOMA’s purpose was to directly prevent U.S. citizens from their inalienable rights guaranteed by the constitution. Fortunately the backers of this legislation are now realizing the damage that such laws have on the foundation of our great nation. “

Hans Johnson, President of Progressive Victory and a contributing editor to In These Times magazine, recently noted, “Conservative opposition to marriage equality continues to crumble. The ferocity of extremists who insist on intruding into the lives of committed same-sex couples and denying basic equality to gay people is turning some true conservatives into allies.”

Get Out and Vote

Election Day is finally here.
Rhode Island polls will be open from 7a.m. to 9p.m.

The Projo is reporting that state officials are predicting a record number of voters so there may be a chance that you will have to wait in line to cast your ballot. In anticipation of record numbers State officials have added voting machines.

Find your voting location at Rhode Island Voter Information Center

Remember that even if you didn’t register, you can still vote for president.

Ballot Issues Across the Country

Election day not only brings the presidential election, but a few states are also facing ballot measures targeted at reducing the rights of same-sex couples. Please talk to friends, family and anyone who knows anyone in these states. Encourage them to not only educate themselves on this issues, but to vote for equality.

ARIZONA
Ballot Measure: Proposition 102
State Group Supporting Equal Rights: No on 102

ARKANSAS:
Ballot Measure: Act 1
State Group Supporting Equal Rights: Arkansas Families First

CALIFORNIA:
Ballot Measure: Proposition 8
State Group Supporting Equal Rights: No on 8

CONNECTICUT:
Ballot Measure: Question 1
State Group Supporting Equal Rights: Love Makes a Family

FLORIDA:
Ballot Measure: Amendment 2
State Groups Supporting Equal Rights: Say No on 2 and Vote No on 2

San Diego Mayor Stands Up for Marriage Equality
This is a wonderful older video, but really highlights how important it is to make connections with people on this issue and show the personal side of this issue.

New Parents No On 8 Ad

Not Registered to Vote: Some Last-minute Options for Voting in RI on Nov. 4

“Same-day” Ballots
If you missed the October 4 deadline to register to vote, you will not be able to vote for statewide or local races on Election Day. However, you will be able to cast a “same-day” ballot for President and Vice President if you are otherwise eligible to register to vote. In most places, just to go to your community’s city or town hall on November 4.

Four city and towns have set up special locations instead of town hall on Election Day:
Coventry Town Hall Annex, 1675 Flat River Road;
Little Compton, Wilbur McMann School, 28 Commons;
Providence, Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square; and
Smithfield Senior Center, 1 William J. Hawkins Jr. Trail.

Whether you go to town hall or a special location, local elections officials will be on hand to help. You can register to vote and cast a ballot in the presidential race on the spot. And you are officially registered in Rhode Island for future elections.

Emergency Ballots
If you unexpectedly find you will be out-of-town on Election Day, you can go to your community’s city or town hall and request an Emergency Ballot. You must be eligible to vote on Election Day in order to qualify. You will fill out a ballot at town hall and seal it in a privacy envelope. Your vote will be counted on Election Day the same as absentee and voting-machine ballots.