Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) praised the California federal court ruling that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.  Rep. Engel was one of only 67 House Members to vote against DOMA in 1996.  President Obama announced a year ago that the Administration would no longer defend the law, which it considers to be discriminatory. 

“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 this court decision, and actions taken by the White House, will lead to the law being officially stricken from the books.

“DOMA is a huge mistake, and that’s why I voted against it.  The federal government should not be in the business of discrimination and the suppression of benefits and rights.   Following last year’s victory in New York for marriage rights, the passage of same sex marriage in Washington State and its imminent passage in Maryland, it only makes sense to finally repeal DOMA.

“The judge stated that DOMA violated the plaintiff’s right to equal protection of the law.  That statement says it all, and having it come from a President Bush appointee should speak volumes.  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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