Members of Congress to hear testimony from couples and legal experts on Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA )
WHAT: Congressional field forum to investigate the impact of the Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA ) , specifically the denial of federal benefits to same-sex couples and their families in Illinois and around the country, and to review DOMA's constitutionality and current court cases.
WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2011
10:00am 11:30am CT
WHERE: City Hall 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
WHO: Rep. Mike Quigley, Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky will hear testimony from several witnesses, including four couples and two legal experts, Camilla Taylor ( National Marriage Project Director and Senior Attorney, Lambda Legal ) and Gail Morse ( Tax Attorney/Partner, Jenner & Block ) . Ald. James Cappleman ( 46th Ward, Chicago ) , celebrating 20 years with his partner, will also testify.
In addition to those testifying in person, several organizations including the Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) , Equality Illinois, LGBT Immigration Coalition and the Heartland Alliance/National Immigrant Justice Center will be submitting testimony in writing.