Dem convention panel OKs language backing same-sex marriage

A Democratic committee in charge of drafting the party’s platform ahead of the upcoming Democratic National Convention approved language supporting same-sex marriage, a source confirmed Monday.

The drafting committee approved the language on Sunday.

{mosads}The committee’s approval means the official Democratic Party national platform will likely include strong support for same-sex marriage.

The platform committee in charge of drafting met Sunday; the language now goes to the full committee, which meets in Detroit in two weeks, according to a Democratic source. After Detroit, the language goes to the Democratic National Convention delegates in Charlotte, N.C., to be completely approved.

The language includes not only support of same-sex marriage but also expresses strong opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as language in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, according to The Washington Blade.

The committee’s approval follows President Obama’s decision earlier in the year to fully support same-sex marriage. Obama’s endorsement followed comments Vice President Biden made in May in which he said that same-sex couples should have all the same rights as heterosexual couples. Biden’s comments caused a chain reaction, moving top Democrats to fully embrace same-sex marriage. Shortly after Biden’s comments, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said the party’s platform would include support of same-sex marriage.

“The president’s in favor of it — I’m sure it will be [included],” Reid said.