Third Republican House Member Supports DOMA Repeal
Rep. Charles Bass of New Hampshire has become the third Republican House member and the second within the past week to support legislation that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and allow the federal government to recognize the legal marriages of same-sex couples.
Bass, who was defeated for re-election this year, did not release a statement about his decision to co-sponsor the measure known as the Respect for Marriage Act. Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, the original co-sponsor of the legislation, announced the development in a statement to The Advocate.
"I'm thrilled that Rep. Charlie Bass will be our newest GOP co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal DOMA,” he said. “Rep. Bass is the second Republican in the past week to endorse equal protection for all Americans. Though he won't be continuing his service in the next Congress, his commitment to equality and ending discrimination is truly appreciated."
The move from Bass follows Rep. Richard Hanna of New York, who last week announced his support in terms of the Tenth Amendment and states’ rights. Both representatives hail from states with legislatures that have passed marriage equality.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/12/27/third-republican-house-member-supports-doma-repeal
