Quigley, Gutierrez, Schakowsky Hold Hearing on Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Members of Congress to hear testimony from couples and legal experts on same-sex marriage
WHAT: Congressional field forum to investigate the impact of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), specifically the denial of federal benefits to same-sex couples and their families in Illinois and around the country, and to review DOMA's constitutionality and current court cases.
WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2011
10:00am - 11:30am CT
WHERE: City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
WHO: Rep. Mike Quigley, Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky will hear testimony from several witnesses, including four couples and two legal experts, Camilla Taylor (National Marriage Project Director and Senior Attorney, Lambda Legal) and Gail H. Morse (Tax Attorney/Partner, Jenner & Block, LLP). Among those testifying will be Trish and Kate Varnum, who were the named plaintiffs in the 2009 Iowa Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage in the state of Iowa. Ald. James Cappleman (46th Ward, Chicago), celebrating 20 years with his partner, will also testify.
In addition to those testifying in person, several organizations - including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Equality Illinois, Heartland Alliance/National Immigrant Justice Center, CBA LGBT Committee, and the LGBT Immigration Coalition " will be submitting testimony in writing.
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