Co-op members protest Defense of Marriage Act

When the U.S. Senate passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on Sept. 10, gay leaders across the country almost universally recognized the event as a crushing blow to gay rights. The gay community at Yale was no exception. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered Cooperative (LGBT Co-op) answered the Senate with a call to action, planning several events to protest DOMA.

DOMA, passed last week by a vote of 84-14, denies recognition of same-sex marriage for federal purposes, and allows states to deny recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. President Bill Clinton, LAW '73, has agreed to sign the bill into law. "Gay students were saddened and hurt and angered by DOMA, not only because it passed, but also the large margin by which it passed," Co-op Coordinator Katherine Kramer, CC '99, said.

Co-op members kicked off the week with an extensive postering campaign to inform other students about DOMA and to build support on campus for same-sex marriages. "We hope to convey a non-threatening and unifying message saying that marriage of anyone to anyone is an occasion for joy, not outrage," LGBT Co-op member Jason Hartford, TC '97, said.

Co-op members also held a candlelight vigil on Thursday night as part of their protest activities, which included readings of speeches made in the Senate regarding DOMA and of accounts of lesbian mothers whose children were taken from them. According to Eric Heller, MC '97, Friday is being recognized as a day of mourning across campus. The Co-op is encouraging Yale students to wear black to mourn what they are calling the death of gay civil rights in the United States. Lastly, members of the LGBT Co-op will draft a petition to President Clinton protesting his willingness to sign the bill into law.

Gay students had different opinions regarding Clinton's decision and how it would affect their decision to vote for or against him in November. Kramer said that aside from signing DOMA, "He has been the best president that gays have ever had." She added that Clinton's decision to sign the bill was not much of a surprise, as he had long ago stated his opposition to same-sex marriages.

On the other hand, many vehemently disapprove of the President's decision. "I can't justify voting for Clinton if he signs DOMA into law, reneging on his promise to give gay and lesbian Americans a `place at the table,'" Heller said.

Gay and lesbian students also had mixed feelings regarding the effectiveness of their campaign. While they doubt that their efforts will have an immediate impact nationally, they were more optimistic in their hopes of raising campus-wide awareness of gay and lesbian rights issues.

"I personally see our manifests having little influence in and of themselves, but if they spawn a new era of community-centered, outreach-type gay activism, I think that will be enormously effective in helping us be integrated into society as full-class citizens," said Hartford.