There's a lot of speculation about what will happen on LGBT issues if Republicans take control of the House (and, possibly the Senate). Many think we'll be dealing with the status quo. The logic goes: We won't get anything progressive passed, but they won't succeed in passing anything egregious.
I'd say: Watch the way the GOPers work the system. As an example, I'm going to refer us back to an effort by Rep. Alcee Hastings to defund the DADT investigations using the Appropriations process. That effort was stymied by the Obama White House. But that's what the GOPer used to do all the time:
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) had an amendment to the Defense Appropriations that would have prevented funding any DADT investigation. That's the kind of procedural tactic Republicans have used for years to stop funding of programs they didn't like. For years, Republicans blocked federal funding of DC's domestic partnerships and needle exchange. I'm not sure if this was the best approach, but, sometimes, the only way to make progress is to use (or abuse) the appropriations process. But, a funny (or not so funny) thing happened on the way to the Appropriations bill mark-up. In his own words, Hastings was pressured by the White House and others to drop his amendment.Yes, needle exchange and DC's registry couldn't be funded. Republicans really know how to use -- and abuse -- the Appropriations process. What do you think the GOPers will do to prevent DC's same-sex marriage law from being implemented? Bishop Harry Jackson is probably writing the language to prevent the use of any of DC resources for marriage.
My point is that the Republicans will find ways to thwart and prevent pro-gay policies under their purview. All those LGBT-related initiatives proposed by the Obama administration are on their chopping block. Read through the DNC's list of "accomplishments." Anything that requires the use of federal funds will be under the GOP's control. The Republicans will find ways to screw with them. That's how they do business.
So, we could actually have a lot of LGBT-related votes in the next Congress. And, so you know, in 2007, even with Democratic control, our side lost a House vote to end the ban on funding DC's domestic partner registry. The GOPers could force votes on any number of things.
So, may need to count on the Senate and the President's veto pen to prevent anti-gay legislation from becoming law. Do you really think the Senate and the President are going to stop this from happening? I really doubt we'll see a veto threat to save any LGBT policy.
