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Menendez Applauds US Supreme Court's Striking Down DOMA

Statement

Date: June 26, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Marriage Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Legal

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

"This is a great day for Americans who love the blessings of freedom and equality that our nation promises," said Senator Menendez, who declared his support for the Respect for Marriage Act, and the repeal of DOMA, in an op-ed published in The Star-Ledger in December 2011.

"As a member of Congress who signed the amicus brief urging this decision, I am thrilled that the Supreme Court took a strong stand for marriage equality. The Supreme Court's decision upholding the rights of gay and lesbian married couples stands as an affirmation of equal protection under the law for everyone, regardless of our sexual orientation. Now there can be no ambiguity. You cannot be discriminated against simply because of whom you love. Our nation will provide and protect the rights and privileges of married people -- period."


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