Who Voted for DOMA

(Community Matters)

update: ughh. As I mentioned to KT – I didn’t intend for this conversation to go anti-anyone. Hoping to have a pro-Castro conversation. I’ve supported Lloyd in the past for his many contributions. I’m supporting Joaquin in the future for his vision, energy, given the demographics of the new district and the future of our state.

KT Musselman commented that State Rep Castro didn’t vote for or against Texas DOMA.

My response: I agree Joaquin’s choosing to not vote on the DOMA bill in 2005* sucks. Maybe he and the others who abstained felt courageous by not voting yes for LGBT discrimination. Some probably even saw it as a bold vote for an early term*, 20-something representative from a mostly Hispanic & Catholic district a decade ago. I’m appreciative Joaquin didn’t vote for DOMA like our progressive darlings at the time – including Patrick Rose in the Texas House and Lloyd Doggett in the US House.

Anyhow. . . . I’m thankful Joaquin has matured beyond his first session in the legislature and is now willing to help lead the fight for full equality for LGBT Americans.

Castro’s support for marriage equality contrasts with Lloyd’s opposition. Congressman Doggett voted yes for federal DOMA, and he still opposes same sex marriage. I remember when Lloyd bold faced and proudly told me gay marriages should never be recognized the same as his and Libby’s.

If Lloyd’s changed his position, I’d love to hear about it. But, a mutual friend recently confided that he still opposes LGBT marriage – not only politically but in his heart.

*corrected