WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a constitutional marriage amendment.  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) inserted the following statement into the Congressional Record during the debate preceeding the vote:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. 

"I am opposed to a constitutional amendment that would discriminate against any American.  In more than 200 years of American history, the U.S. Constitution has been amended only 17 times since the Bill of Rights—and in each instance, it was to extend the rights and liberties of the American people, not restrict them. 

"The Federal Marriage Amendment could deny gay and lesbian couples and their children basic rights, protections, and benefits like hospital visitations and inheritance.  It could also overturn civil unions and domestic partnership rights already enacted by some state and local governments.   This amendment runs counter to my strong belief that all people should be entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

"I urge my colleagues to let this debate unfold where it should: in our homes, in our synagogues and churches, in our courts, and in our hearts.  I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment."