The first repercussions of the Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) brief filing last Friday in support of the current Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) are being felt tonight with the withdrawal of several major guests who had headlined toe Democratic National Committee's annual fundraiser scheduled for this Friday night in Washington.
And it looks like those who withdrew are in no mood for compromise or rationalization.
More after the jump...
Here is the full story so far.....
Major Invitees Cancel DNC Fundraising Invitations
Chief among the guests pulling out of the event is Marty Rouse, major official with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Rouse, National Field Director of the HRC, had been considered a major draw for the event, but apparently is no longer planning to attend:
HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. Rouse reported that he notified the DNC today that he would not be attending the fundraiser. Rouse was among a list of already-confirmed guests that the DNC was using to pump up interest in the fundraiser.
Among others who have dropped out is a former Clinton administration official and also the head of the largest gay rights organization in New York City:
The other three people to pull out of the fundraiser are famous "friend of Bill Clinton" David Mixner, Alan Van Capelle (Executive Director of New York's largest gay group, the Empire State Pride Agenda), and top gay blogger Andy Towle.
Also, Richard Socarides - a former Clinton adviser - is also apparently pulling out of the event.
The Washington Blade will also apparently be sending a camera crew to cover the event and to photograph all invitees who decide to attend the event despite the anti-gay DOJ brief - a possible sign that an official boycott of the event may be called between now and then.
In any event, it would appear that the coffers of the DNC will not be brimming with GLBT donations - at least this weekend - and that those who attend the event may have some explaining to do next week.