Respect for Marriage Act

You've got to agree, it's a great name. The RMA is Rep. Jerry Nadler's bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, and which Barney Frank hasn't co-sponsored (though 91 other House members have, including the other two openly gay members) because he believes it doesn't have a good chance. To which some of us say: So what? Why not have many approaches and opportunities for debate and votes on gay bills?

I had Jerry Nadler on the show yesterday and we discussed the issues Barney Frank raises (as well as what is clearly a bit of a power tug) as well as the White House's potential blockades. He vowed that he would not bow to any White House pressure that might emerge (Obama has said he wants to repeal DOMA but clearly would want to push it far off) and pull the bill, but did say it was too early to talk about when hearings might happen, as they're still getting co-sponsors aboard.