Senator Coons Calls for Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today praised the Obama Administration's decision to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act in court.

"The Defense of Marriage Act enshrined the discriminatory treatment of American citizens based on sexual orientation, which simply should not be a factor in a person's access to equality in this country. Rather than defend an unconstitutional statue, the President today demonstrated his commitment to defending the Constitution and its prohibition on arbitrary discrimination.

"Whether or not the New York court ultimately agrees with the Administration's position, the time for such discrimination is at an end. It is time to repeal DOMA and make clear that it is not the policy of the government of the United States of America to discriminate against its citizens on the basis of their sexual orientation.

"I look forward to working with Senator Feinstein and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee to repeal DOMA."

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