Commentary

Newt Gingrich on the President’s decision to not defend DOMA

Newt Gingrich on the President’s decision to not defend DOMA

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and possible GOP Presidential candidate, on Friday criticized President Barack Obama for his decision to order the Department of Justice to stop defending the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act.

“I believe the House Republicans next week should pass a resolution instructing the president to enforce the law and to obey his own constitutional oath, and they should say if he fails to do so that they will zero out [defund] the office of attorney general and take other steps as necessary until the president agrees to do his job,” said Gingrich.

To be absolutely clear here: the president’s oath — specifically his oath I’m talking about here — has nothing to do with laws passed by Congress.

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

DOMA is not part of the U.S. Constitution. Are we clear here?

“Imagine that Governor Palin had become president. Imagine that she had announced that Roe v. Wade in her view was unconstitutional and therefore the United States government would no longer protect anyone’s right to have an abortion because she personally had decided it should be changed,” said Ginrich.

“The news media would have gone crazy.”

Of course, what Gingrich has lost sight of here is that Roe V. Wade is a Supreme Court decision, not a law passed by Congress. It is not uncommon for a law passed by Congress to be challenged and to be found unconstitutional.

Also, President Obama has made clear DOMA will continue to be enforced, just not defended in court when challenged in court.

I would also point out that Obama is a constitutional law scholar who taught at the University of Chicago Law School for 12 years. Gingrich, a former history professor, taught at West Georgia College.

Does it take a legal expert to figure out who might be more educated or qualified to know what is or isn’t constitutional?

And while Gingrich seems concerned about the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act not being defended, and therefore what must offend his own value system, let us not forget that this is the man who cheated on his first wife — while she lay in a hospital bed dying of cancer — with his then mistress.

His mistress, who became his second wife, who he then cheated on with the woman who would become his third wife. Yes, a veritable pantheon of morality. This isn’t being snarky kids — these are the facts.

The more you think about it, the name Newt becomes more and more appropriate.

Opinions and advice expressed in our Views & Voices columns represent the author's or publication's own views and not necessarily those of LGBTQ Nation. We welcome opposing views and diverse perspectives. To submit a article, column or video, contact us here. Due to the volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee publication, however you are invited to express your opinion in the comment section below.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

White House names first openly gay Social Secretary

Previous article

Tennessee GOP lawmakers: ‘Don’t Say Gay’ in elementary school

Next article