Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) applauded the decision by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding California’s Proposition 8, ruling the California law banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.  The case is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Today’s ruling is not only a victory for the LGBT community, but for civil rights and equality in America.  I am proud that my home state of New York passed a law allowing for same-sex marriage, and I encourage all of the remaining states, who have not already done so, to follow suit.  Our country should not be in the business of taking away the rights of its citizens.  No matter how opponents of same-sex marriage want to frame their argument, one thing is constant – discrimination is still discrimination and it should not be tolerated in any form. 

“I am hopeful the Supreme Court will put all politics aside and concur with the lower court, taking the side of equal rights rather than intolerance.  Everyone deserves fair and equal treatment under the law.  I also would like to see this debate return to Washington so we can repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I was one of only 67 House Members to vote against DOMA in 1996, and I have been in favor of repeal ever since. 

“Inequality takes many different forms, and all must be addressed before equal treatment under the law is a reality for all Americans.  For example, the same sex couples fortunate enough to have health benefits offered through their employer are taxed more on their health care plans than other couples.  We cannot treat same-sex couples as second class citizens in tax policy, in their ability to bequeath estates, or visit a loved one in the hospital.  These inequalities all must stop, and I am hopeful the gains being made in the marriage debate will lead to other advances as well.

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 raise their families as best as they can.  They are our friends, family and neighbors, brothers and sisters, and should not be treated differently.”

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