Marriage equality advocates would like to think the DADT repeal would foreshadow one for the Defense of Marriage ACT (DOMA). While Suffredini sees who can serve in the military and who can marry as closely linked in this issue and historically, she does not think a DOMA repeal will happen in the next few years.
In fact, the looming GOP House majority will slow some progressive issues. On the other hand, she sees public opinion changes as essential to the DADT appeal and expects (as well as works toward) such continued change. In turn, this will eventually lead to lawmakers coming to the right place.
For the recent effort, MassEquality joined in the local and national effort. Particularly with our junior Sen. Scott Brown, this meant thousands of cards, letters, calls and visits. With DADT repealed, her group looks to shift efforts to improvements for Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine.
She discussed prospects for same-sex marriage in RI (very good) with the new governor. She also talked about the shots in the arm and the kicks in the pants that legislative and ballot initiative wins and losses bring. Moreover, she spoke of prospects for hate crimes legislation on a national level and what her people as well as a broad, deep coalition will do in data collection, police training and more as well as lobbying.
I hope people will listen to it and take advantage of Kara’s savvy and knowledge.