Victory Against the Federal Marriage Amendment

The U. S. Senate voted 49-48 today to kill the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Seven Republicans joined 41 Democrats to invoke cloture, a motion (known to fans of The West Wing) to end debate on the proposal and not bring it to a full vote. (Eleven more votes would have been needed to move to a vote on the actual amendment.) The House says it is still planning a vote on the amendment next month. With the proposal killed in the Senate, however, this would be only for political posturing.

Supporters of the amendment say they want to keep introducing and voting on the amendment every year until it is passed. Momentum seems against them, however, with two senators voting against the amendment who had supported it in 2004.

It’s my birthday. Can’t think of a better present.