The Justice Department will be having a meeting queer advocacy and legal groups this week, reports Greg Sargent on his blog, The Plum Line. (See Obama Administration Set To Hold Powwow With Big Gay Groups) The meeting will surely be an interesting one, as the Justice Department has landed itself, and it's boss, President Obama, in a lot of hot water after the recent court case where the department defended the Defense of Marriage Act, and used the divisive rhetoric of the past administration.

On one hand the meeting seems like an event clearly for show, to a loyal demographic that has become increasingly frustrated with the administration, since Press Secretary Gibbs claims that the administration has to do defend challenges to DOMA (even though some counter that is not the case). However, it could also be a significant step in mapping out the legal work from this point forward.

It seems clear now that the administration made a mistake in defending the case the way they did and underestimated the outrage it would cause through the queer and progressive community. The administration has tried to walk back and do some damage control, especially in preparation for the upcoming fundraiser that is losing attendees, i.e. big donors, by the day (see here).

Hopefully the queer advocacy and legal groups invited to the meeting will make it the opportunity to press for more immediate action from Justice in advancing the President's queer agenda, such the DADT case involving Major Margret White and other DOMA cases around the country.

Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is Justice's hand are somewhat tied while Congress remains silent on queer-rights issues and bills; and besides choosing not defend a DOMA or DADT case when it comes up in court, the department does not seem able to do very much.

There may be other small cases where the Justice Department can make a progressive step forward. For the administration has already stated that from its intepretation of DOMA same-sex marriages will be counted in census. Nevertheless, it does not very logical to expect major changes after this meeting. (Though I optimistically hope that is not the case.)

Symbolically the meeting does say a lot; however, at this point, after so many disappointing steps back, symbolism does not seem to have the same amount of traction as it once did for the administration as it relates the queer community. Queer-Americans largely express the desire to see action take now, rather than merely inclusive rhetoric.

Who knows. Last's week signing of the expansion of some benefits, might have been the turning point for the administration, after months of coxing and protest by progressives and some Democrats in Congress. We can hope.