Sherman on SCOTUS Decisions: "This is an Historic Step Forward for the State of California and our Nation"

Statement

Following today's historic Supreme Court rulings, Congressman Brad Sherman (D -- Sherman Oaks) made the following statement:

"Today the Supreme Court of the United States declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional and invalidated California's Proposition 8.

"I applaud the Court's decision to strike down these laws and defend equality.

"I believe that government should allow all consenting adults, regardless of sexual orientation, to enjoy the benefits of legally-recognized marriage. I will continue the fight for marriage equality.

"DOMA allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages and deny same-sex couples the benefits and protections of marriage, including spousal support, the ability to file joint taxes, and the right to take unpaid leave to care for an ill spouse. In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court deemed DOMA unconstitutional, declaring it discriminatory and in violation of the Fifth Amendment. The federal government does not have the authority to invalidate marriages protected by the states.

"I also applaud the Supreme Court for honoring the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to find California's Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The Supreme Court held that the California opponents of same-sex marriage did not possess the standing to sue. We should reject any law that denies certain citizens legal rights and protections that are available to others, simply because of their sexual preference. In America rights should be granted equally to all citizens across the board. Gay marriage is now legal in California, as it should be.

"This is an historic step forward for the state of California, America, and same-sex couples everywhere. I look forward to the day that our entire nation recognizes and celebrates these unions."

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