McMahon mulls backing marriage equality bill
By Judy L. Randall
November 30, 2009, 11:59PM
Jan Somma-Hammel/Staten Island Advance
Members of Staten Island's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community
meet with Congressman Michael McMahon to seek his support for national legislation on
marriage equality. From the left: Dr. Katie Cumiskey, Marianne Brennick Jim Smith and
McMahon.
Rep. Michael McMahon on Monday said he's thinking of signing on to a bill that would rescind the Defense
of Marriage Act (DOMA), which declares marriage must be between a man and a woman. He said he'll make
up his mind by year's end.
The repeal, called the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), would grant the same rights and benefits under
federal law to all married couples, including same-sex couples.
Under DOMA, which passed in 1996, legally married same-sex couples cannot file joint tax returns; take
unpaid leave to care for a sick or injured spouse; receive spousal benefits under Social Security or health
and pension benefits if they are federal civilian employees.
McMahon said he thought it likely DOMA would be repealed by the House, but couldn't predict what might
happen in the Senate.
McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said he is disposed to support RMA, introduced by Rep. Jerrold
Nadler (D-Manhattan), and said he had discussed it with Nadler two weeks ago.
McMahon made his comments during a meeting with members of Staten Island's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender (LGBT) community in his New Dorp office. He told them he was also positively disposed to
three other pieces of legislation they favor, but wants to review the fine print before signing on.
IRS REGULATIONS
One bill would bring equity on a host of IRS tax code regulations for same-sex couples. Another,
sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan), would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
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