As DADT Ends Price Calls for Defeat of NC Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment, Repeal of DOMA

Statement

Today, in a speech to the House of Representatives, Representative David Price (NC-04) urged his colleagues to see the end of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as proof America has nothing to fear, and can only gain, from extending liberty and equality to all its citizens. Rep. Price vowed to help North Carolina residents defeat a ballot initiative amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage--condemning the initiative as "more about turning out the Republican political base than about marriage."

Rep. Price also pledged to continue fighting in Congress to pass the Respect for Marriage Act (ROMA), which repeals the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, saying "This year I have again cosponsored repeal, and don't intend to rest until DOMA is erased from the U.S. Code." In the 111th Congress, Rep. Price was the first North Carolina member to support ROMA.

The text of Rep. Price's remarks is below.

"Madame Speaker, The end this week of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" shows us that we have nothing to fear, and can only gain, by extending liberty and equality to all of our citizens. Brave young men and women will not be denied the opportunity to serve their country, and soldiers will be judged on their ability to do their jobs, not their sexual orientation.

"This is a great step forward, but some seem eager to step back. In North Carolina, there is a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. This seems to be more about turning out the Republican political base than about marriage, and many of our businesses say it would hinder their attempts to treat employees fairly. We must defeat it.

"At the national level, we also have an anachronistic law--the so-called Defense of Marriage Act--that should be repealed. This would ensure that marriages entered into in one state would be recognized by other states. This year I have again cosponsored repeal, and don't intend to rest until DOMA is erased from the U.S. Code.

"History will judge these efforts at discrimination harshly. It's time for America's political leaders, including members of this body, to catch up."

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