Senate Dem: DOMA makes US hypocritical on human rights issues

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., told liberal supporters that the Defense of Marriage Act (1996) makes the United States look hypocritical on human rights issues, and so undermines government opposition to genocide around the world.

“I’m proud of the fact that it’s the U.S. Helsinki Commission that stands up for the Roma gypsy population of Europe, stands up for minorities around Europe,” Cardin told gay activists at Netroots Nation earlier this month. “But we cannot speak with an effective voice unless we take care of the problems in our own country first. And that’s why it’s important that we do what is the right policy: I want to repeal DOMA; I want to get it done; that is wrong,” he added. “Marriage equality is a basic right.”