Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) revealed at today's committee hearing on Democrat efforts to repeal DOMA that one of the witnesses he hoped to invite to defend DOMA was intimidated out of appearing:

"The minority very much hoped to call a witness today at this hearing to testify in support of DOMA.  I am sure she would have done an excellent job. 

She declined, however, citing as one reason the threats and intimidation that have been leveled against not only her but her family as a result of her public support for DOMA.  She will continue to write on this subject, but will no longer speak publicly about it.  This chilling of First Amendment rights is unacceptable.

There are people of good faith on both sides of this question.  They should seek to persuade each other through logic and factual evidence.  They should not resort to threats of violence or seek to silence their opponents."