January 10 is the National DOMA Protest, a day to stand up against the Defense of Marriage Act and urge President-Elect Obama to repeal DOMA.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) denies same-sex marriage at the federal level:
1. No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) need treat a relationship between persons of the same sex as a marriage, even if the relationship is considered a marriage in another state.
2. The Federal Government may not treat same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.
During the primary campaign, Obama pledged to completely repeal DOMA, and he reaffirmed in his Civil Rights Agenda after the election:
Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.
On January 10, people in cities across the U.S. will hold a Nationwide DOMA Protest and collect over 1,000,000 signatures urging President-Elect Obama to repeal DOMA. The nationwide goal: 1,000,00 signatures. San Francisco’s goal: 100,000 signatures! These one million signatures in support of marriage equality will be delivered to Barack Obama on his first day in office.
Join The Impact has an Open Letter to Barack Obama. On Saturday, there will be a rally at Harvey Milk Plaza (Castro & Market). Speakers will discuss DOMA and at the end of the rally, volunteers will lead groups to different neighborhoods in SF and the Bay Area to collect signatures.
PLEASE BRING (If You Can):
- 2 or more pens
- Clipboard or 8.5″ x 11″ cardboard with clip/rubber band to hold petition pages
- Printed official Open Letter to Barack Obama (PDF) and ten official petition signature pages (PDF)
We will provide these supplies for those who are unable to bring them.
After collecting signatures: We are working on a drop off location in the Castro neighborhood to drop off the signed petitions and open letter copies, along with the borrowed clipboards and pens. Please check back for more information.
What: National DOMA Protest and Signature Gathering: Collect 100,000 signatures to repeal DOMA! RSVP at Facebook
When: Saturday, January 10, 11 A.M.
Why: Show President-Elect Obama and the world that GLBTQI people and our allies support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and fighting homophobia. Hold Obama accountable and urge him to turn his campaign promises into reality.
Where: Harvey Milk Plaza, Castro & Market (Castro Muni Stop)
Join us on January 10th for One Million Signatures to Repeal DOMA!
For more information on the nitty gritty of the petition, Continue reading
Join The Impact SF: Defend Equality, Love Unites! 