Rep. Engel Calls for Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act

Statement

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement following the news that President Obama supports the Respect for Marriage Act, which repeals the Defense of Marriage Act. Rep. Engel was one of only 67 House Members to vote against DOMA.

"I applaud the President for supporting a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). I couldn't agree more. When I co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act of 2011, I said that DOMA meddles with the laws passed by the states granting marriage rights to same-sex couples, and may not be constitutional. I am hopeful that recent court decision, and actions taken by the White House, will lead to the law being officially stricken from the books.

"DOMA was a huge mistake in 1996, and that's why I voted against it then. It remains a mistake to this day. The federal government should not be in the business of discrimination and the suppression of benefits and rights. Following the recent victory in New York for marriage rights, it only makes sense to finally address DOMA. This Sunday marks the first day New York's law takes effect, and this is a great way to mark that occasion.

"Same-sex couples, should have the same rights as every other family in the nation. They work hard and pay their taxes; they contribute to charity and try to raise their family as best as they can. They are our friends, family and neighbors, and should never be treated differently."

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