Arlen Specter Tweets About Repealing DOMA

by Michael Jones · 2009-10-26 20:59:00 UTC
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Arlen Specter

Oh, the things people do to stay in political office. Sen. Arlen Specter -- who voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996, championed it during his tough re-election GOP primary in 2004, and as late as 30 days ago was telling his constituents that he believed traditional marriage was the right way for society to go -- has potentially come around full circle and announced via Twitter that he wants to see a repeal of DOMA.

It's a welcome sign, for sure, but it certainly seems a little bit of politics as usual. See, Sen. Specter's opponent in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, Rep. Joe Sestak, has long championed a repeal of DOMA. Rep. Sestak even has a "Repeal DOMA" section of his Web site, and penned a piece here on change.org where he said that not only does he want to see DOMA eliminated, he also wants to see "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" done away with, too.

Specter's words are, of course, still good. Here's what he said in 140 characters that sure would've been nice to hear in 1996 when he voted for DOMA: "Just as we were finally able to pass hate crimes legislation, it's time to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act."

Does this mean that Sen. Specter might put himself out there as a lead co-sponsor for a Senate version of the Respect for Marriage Act -- the actual piece of legislation that will overturn DOMA? Now that would be showing some bold leadership on this issue, and turn a twitter entry into a really powerful political punch.

It would also tell all of those skeptics who think this might just be a bit of political pandering to the left that Sen. Specter really has changed his heart and mind on the issue of same-sex marriage.

(Photo courtesy of aflcio2008's photostream on Flickr.)

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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