The Supremes

[deepomega]

So nobody seems to have commented on the passing of a bill in the House lately which would block federal courts from ruling on same-sex marriage cases, specifically those involved in the Marriage Protection Act. Hooray for Congress! Fortunately, I fully expect the Senate to shoot this down nice and fast

Comments

[sandyeggo]

Yeah, I mentioned the bill to Phil after it passed. I wasn't unduly concerned because the passage of the bill was merely symbolic; it's been acknowledged by all parties that it will die in the Senate. Though it's still crazy that such a bill could pass any branch of Congress, yikes. I don't see the SC getting involved in this, but hey, ya realize this will probably be in issue we'll see coming up in following years. Better hope the next Pres, who'll get to appoint mebbe 3 new Justices to the court, won't be You-Know-Who.

[deepomega]

Yeah, it's entirely symbolic - but the total disregard for the federal court system is scary as all hell. Add that to the ridiculous stuff that's being suggested in some states, and I'm concerned. Virginia's Marriage Affirmation Act, which would deny rights that even approached marriage-based rights, is a good example. No legal contracts that are marriage-like? What? This includes child custody issues for adoption, medical care issues, etc. etc. etc. Ugh.

[anonymous]

Eh the Supreme Court can shoot it down, its blatantly unconstitutional.

--mu

[grandmeditator]

It's extremely unconstitutional. They'd need an amendment to protect it... It's also unconstitutional on the other side of the coin. Essentially it means that citizens can't take suit against their own governments for redress of grievances regarding marriage laws. It's a gag order on the entire nation, effectively, which forces all debate about same-sex marriage into the legislature. I understand the desire with the Righties to keep same-sex marriage in the sphere of the legislature, which they control, but that completely negates the entire purpose of separation of powers.

Oh, and I don't understand how you can be "yay" for the passage of the act and then say that the "total disregard for the federal court system is scary as hell"? Unless you were being sarcastic, which I just didn't pick up on.

[deepomega]

Sarcasm indeed. Totally not yay for the act =P It's so ridiculously unconstitutional that it would be laughable if it weren't so frightening.