President Bush has a knack for getting his way.
The Commander-in-Chief threatened to veto Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act unless Congress made clear none of the $120 million federal funds be used for domestic partner registry.
And, of course, Congress crumbled.
In a statement released Wednesday, the White House insisted,
The Administration strongly opposes the bill’s exclusion of a longstanding provision that disallows the use of Federal funds to register unmarried, cohabitating couples in the District, to enable them to qualify for benefits on the same basis as legally married couples.
Under Federal law, legal marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Federal tax dollars are not used to extend employment benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees, and D.C. should not enjoy an exception to this rule.
The Republicans had long objected to the domestic partner clause, but Democrats were hoping their political power could convince Washington to change its anti-gay ways. Unfortunately, they were wrong and folded to the President’s demands. The revised bill passed yesterday 224-to-200.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Never one to miss a defeat, Human Right Campaign’s Joe Solmonese wagged a finger at Congress. He also points out that the decision’s largely symbolic – although ugly just the same.
In the wake of a hateful and divisive White House veto threat, we are disappointed that the House of Representatives voted to approve the Goode Amendment and add anti-gay language into the DC Appropriations bill.
We appreciate the efforts of our fair-minded Committee leaders in removing this unnecessary language from the bill and we will continue to work for its removal in the future. As harmful as these symbolic acts of bigotry are to our fight for equality in America, today’s vote does not impact the quality of life of the thousands of gay and lesbian couples living in Washington, DC.
The DC Domestic Partnership registry remains intact and fully functioning, and same-sex and unmarried couples can still participate in the partnership registry. It’s a shallow victory when the status quo on DC’s law is the best our opponents can do in this Congress.
Of course it’s a shallow victory. Bush and his allies are the most shallow people on the planet! And rude, too. Also, we hear Bush doesn’t wash his hands after he goes to the bathroom. Don’t shake his hand – you know his penis is absolutely crawling with disease.
edgenewenglanddotcom
Just when I thought I couldn’t despise this man any more…(Whoops, am I allowed to say that?)
I think I’ll put on my “Hillary for President” t-shirt today to piss off some right wing townies, lol.
Dave
Paul Raposo
I thought things were suppose to change when the Dems took control in the House and Senate. What god damned good are they?
Matt
Paul: I totally agree. I understand all about political realities and taking the long view and picking battles, but this crop of Dems are very disappointing. They may not have a veto-proof majority (shame on us), but they have yet to flex what muscle they’ve been given for the first time in a decade. Other than threatening toothless subpoenas, they’ve failed miserably at being aggressive leaders, much less even feisty troublemakers for the Bushies. At this point, they’re not much more than better than the alternative — and even that’s questionable.
hisurfer
I’m with you guys – the Democrats need to step up. If they can’t even stand up to Bush then how the f* are they going to manage the country when and if they win the next election?
cjc
Revolution time, baby. Revolution.
ProfessorVP
Often the Democrats are cowardly and cave in, but has it occurred to anybody that regarding gays and lesbians, some Democrats actually agree with Bush?
Jack Jett
Is Joe Solomese a heterosexual or homosexual man?
Who oversees his work? How is he elected?
Can he be impeached? Am I the only one that cares?
Jack Jett
codymurp
I hate that stupid motherfucker! He just likes it up the ass…
underbear1
If you wait for this president, this congress, or this Court to have your back…you’ll be sadly disappointed.
Protect YOURSELF, by whatever means you feel comfortable and competant.
NO JUSTICE
NO PEACE
WWH
Typical. The Dems always take our money and then sell us down the river. ProfessorVP, you’re right, many dems hate us: i.e. big labor dems from the midwest don’t like the mincing (or other) homos.
Jack Jett
I think anyone who voted for this shitpie should have their voting rights taken away. They made such a massive mistake that they should not be allowed to vote,drive or make any decisions about others lives in general.
Can someone pass this message on to The 700 club.
jack jett