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DOMA Heard in Senate Committee

Senate Bill 488, Sen. Chris Harris’ (R-Arlington) version of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), was given a hearing on Monday, April 9, in the Senate State Affairs Committee. Although attendance by both senators and spectators was sparse, the hearing featured a healthy amount of sparring between advocates from the pro-family and gay lobbies. Although Monday’s hearing did not produce a clear slate of winners and losers among competing interest groups, it did allow both sides to draw clear and distinguishable lines of argument for their respective positions.

Speaking on behalf of pro-family groups, Professor Teresa Collett of the South Texas College of Law calmly reasoned with lawmakers about the need for DOMA. She stated, “Texas judges should not have to face demands that they recognize civil unions or same-sex marriages without legislative direction. Passage of Senate Bill 488 is necessary to fulfill the legislature’s constitutional responsibility to make the laws of this state, rather than passively await a judicial challenge to that authority. I urge members of this committee to vote for its passage.” Three other citizens also spoke on behalf of DOMA, and a large number of citizens signed affidavits expressing their support of the measure. On the whole, the pro-family argument on behalf of DOMA was fair, balanced, and rational. Both the legal and moral dimensions of the issue were respectfully presented without any disparaging reference made toward homosexual groups.

This was more than could be said on behalf of the pro-homosexual lobby. Members and advocates from the Texas Freedom Network and the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby (LGRL) of Texas forcefully argued that supporters of DOMA were nothing more than closet homophobes seeking to stigmatize and persecute the afflicted homosexual minority in Texas. “This is just gratuitous gay-bashing,” said John Rundin of San Antonio. “I can only guess that some legislators imagine they can raise their status among their constituency by beating up on [homosexuals.] That’s the strategy of the playground bully.” Over and over, homosexual-rights advocates warned members of the committee of the deep bigotry and animus against homosexuals latent in the Defense of Marriage Act, and urged them to do away with such short-sighted legislation that could only be motivated by fear.

In short, the committee hearing represented a classic study in debate styles. Whereas the arguments presented by the pro-family forces were well reasoned, respectful, and studied, the homosexual-rights lobby resorted to shrill political posturing and ad hominem attacks. Although the fate of DOMA is yet to be determined, the force of reason clearly stands behind those who wish to see DOMA become law in Texas.

**Bulletin**

• The Senate State Affairs Committee will vote on SB488 on Tuesday, April 17. Following the outcome of this vote, your help will be needed to assure DOMA’s passage through the full Senate body.
  
• Please keep the author of SB488, Senator Chris Harris (R-Arlington) in your prayers. He was unable to attend Monday’s hearing due to health issues, but is expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting.