CA's Reverse DOMA: Schwarzenegger Signs Out-of-State Marriage Bill

Following California LGBT marriages is a head-spinning experience. What did this law signed today by Republican Governor Schwarzenegger actually do?

In short, it is like a reverse "Defense of Marriage Act" or DOMA. It says that to the extent it can, California will respect the decisions of other states and nations in regards to LGBT marriages. And I love the title of the bill, which reclaims traditional language in the favor of LGBT people: the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act. It is a small but significant victory after the major Prop 8 loss in gay and lesbian Californian's right to use the word "marriage" on top of their already-existing equal state domestic partnership rights.

This bill corrects a problem the prevented already-married gay and lesbian couples from remarrying in CA between June and November 2008. This new Act holds that same-sex couples married before the passage of Proposition 8 must be recognized as married spouses in California, regardless of whether they married in California or in another state or nation. In addition, the new statute also confirms that same-sex couples married outside of California after November 5, 2008, must be given all of the rights, protections and responsibilities of married spouses under California law, with the sole exception of the designation of "marriage."

This Act is about respect. Respect for other states and respect for its own LGBT citizens. Way to go California and Governor Schwarzenegger.

As Geoff Kors of Equality California said, "Ultimately, however, restoring the freedom to marry is the only way to ensure that all Californians receive the dignity and respect that comes with marriage." Read more.

Now let's see the Democrats in Congress reverse their DOMA and start respecting state's marital decisions again.