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Harman Co-sponsors Respect For Marriage Act

Press Release

Date: Sept. 15, 2009
Location: Washington D.C.
Issues: Conservative Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Marriage Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity


Harman Co-sponsors Respect For Marriage Act

Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) announced that she is an original co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 3567), which was introduced in the House today. The bill would protect the status of same-sex couples who choose to marry in states that permit gay marriage.

“As one of the 67 Members of Congress who originally voted against and questioned the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, I'm hopeful that we can repair some of the damage done by that law,” said Harman.

The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. States would retain authority to set their own rules on marriage, but same-sex couples who wed in states that permit such unions would receive the same federal protections as heterosexual couples.

“This bill is yet another chapter in the nation's ongoing quest to live up to the ideals of equality and freedom embodied in the Constitution,” said Harman. “Fairness, tolerance, and social justice are principles that we must practice as well as preach.”


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